Search Results (299)

Although herbs can contain several secondary metabolites potentially harmful to insects, dried herbs, like all stored foods, can be damaged by various insect pests. These pests have the potential to diminish both the quantity and the quality of food, and the consequences of infestation often only become noticeable once the pest has already become established. This study investigates the ability of two Lepidoptera pests, one polyphagous, Plodia interpunctella, and one selective, Idaea inquinata, to complete the postembryonic development on eleven dried herbs commonly used in cooking: dill (Anethum graveolens L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.), chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), parsley (Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), savory (Satureja hortensis L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The results show that tarragon, sage, savory, oregano and thyme did not allow growth of either species, suggesting the presence of chemical compounds that limit larval growth or survival. In addition, the time required for both species to complete development was longer than that obtained on a standard diet, suggesting that the nutritional requirements and water content of the herbs are not as optimal as those of the standard diet. To conclude, I. inquinata could develop on basil, chervil, chives, coriander, dill, and parsley, while P. interpunctella could develop only on chervil, chives, coriander, and dill. Full article

Porous nickel oxide nanoparticles with a hierarchical structure and high specific surface area were obtained by green synthesis followed by thermal annealing. The influence of the choice of precursor plant extract (Fumaria officinalis L. and Origanum vulgare L.) and the extractants in aqueous solutions on the parameters of the synthesized particles was studied. Characterization of the NiO morphology and composition, as well as the specific surface area, was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the BET method of nitrogen thermal desorption. Resulting particles have a spherical shape and a size from 30 to 50 nm. According to the data obtained, it can be seen that when the precursor is changed from Fumaria officinalis L. to Origanum vulgare L., the size of the synthesized particles increases, while the structure becomes more friable. It has been revealed that certain parameters and the nature of the assembly of porous particles lead to an increase in the surface area: the highest value of the SSA of 130.0 m²/g is observed in NiO nanoparticles obtained using Fumaria officinalis L. extract based on isopropyl alcohol. Also, a relatively high SSA value of 73.5 m²/g is observed in nanoparticles obtained using the same extractant for Origanum vulgare L. extract, while the use of an ethyl alcohol-based extractant for Fumaria officinalis L. resulted in the lowest value of 40.2 m²/g. The developed semiconductor particles are promising for use in catalysis, sensors, and as part of supercapacitor electrodes and functional layers in device structures for solar cells. Full article

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) are aromatic medicinal plants rich in bioactive volatile compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study presents a simple, solvent-free, and eco-friendly headspace GC-MS method for VOC profiling. Optimized thermal pretreatment (40–90 °C) enhanced compound detection, particularly at 70–90 °C, without loss of reproducibility. The approach lowers analytical costs and waste generation, supporting green analytical practices and the sustainable valorization of medicinal herbs as natural functional ingredients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Burn wound infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus remain a major clinical challenge, leading to delayed healing and high mortality. Natural compounds derived from the Lamiaceae family possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may modulate wound recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the dual modulatory effects of Satureja montana and Origanum vulgare hydrolate-loaded hydrogels on modulation of infection and skin recovery in an experimental rabbit model of S. aureus-infected burns. Methods: Full-thickness (grade IIIa) thermal burns were induced in 25 male New Zealand White rabbits, followed by inoculation with S. aureus (10⁸–10⁹ CFU/mL). Animals were divided into five groups: sham control, burn-infection control, standard-of-care intervention, Satureja montana hydrolate intervention, and Origanum vulgare hydrolate intervention. Treatments were applied twice daily for 14 days. Bacterial load (CFU/g), biochemical markers, histological parameters, and multiplex immunohistochemical indices (Ki-67, CD68, CD163) were analyzed. Results: Both hydrolate-based formulations exhibited pronounced antibacterial effects, significantly reducing S. aureus counts by day 14 compared to untreated burns (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed enhanced cell proliferation and a rapid shift from pro-inflammatory M1 (CD68+) to reparative M2 (CD163+) macrophages, indicating effective immune resolution. The hydrolate-loaded hydrogels effectively combined antimicrobial activity with tissue-regenerative and immunomodulatory effects. The S. montana formulation demonstrated superior performance, representing a promising adjunctive therapy for infected burn wounds. Conclusions: This study represents the first comparative in vivo evaluation of S. montana and O. vulgare hydrolate-loaded hydrogels in a complex S. aureus-infected burn model. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are promising bio-preservatives for oilseeds; however, their high volatility and strong aroma limit practical applications. In this study, we developed a dual-size microencapsulated formulation of oregano (Origanum compactum) and myrtle (Myrthus communis) EOs (75:25, w/w) using gelatin–gum arabic complex coacervation, and evaluated its antifungal efficacy and effect on seed viability in peanuts. GC-MS analysis of the EO blend identified carvacrol (33.83%) as the dominant constituent. The microcapsules exhibited an encapsulation efficiency of 83.56% and were produced in a 70% small/30% large particle ratio to ensure both immediate and sustained vapor release. In vapor-phase assays against toxigenic A. flavus (RP-6), both free and encapsulated EOs inhibited fungal growth in a dose-dependent manner and achieved complete suppression at concentrations ≥0.2 µL mL⁻¹, whereas the wall material alone showed no activity. In a 120-day microcosm storage experiment (0.2 mg EO g⁻¹ kernels; 0.96 mg microcapsules g⁻¹), treated peanuts showed an immediate reduction in total fungal load from 3.52 to 1.48 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ (≈58%), which stabilized near 1.42–1.43 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ up to 90 days, while the control samples increased to 4.25 log₁₀ CFU g⁻¹ by day 120. The formulation effectively suppressed major storage fungi, including Aspergillus sections Flavi and Nigri, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus, Fusarium, and Alternaria. The antioxidant activity (DPPH assay) was retained after encapsulation (IC₅₀: 0.52 mg mL⁻¹ encapsulated vs. 0.58 mg mL⁻¹ free). Germination power remained comparable to the control throughout storage (≈50–52%), indicating no adverse impact on seed viability. These findings demonstrate that vapor-active, dual-size microencapsulation of oregano-myrtle EOs offers a practical and sustainable approach to enhance peanut safety during storage without compromising germination potential. Full article

Origanum vulgare L., a medicinal herb rich in bioactive phenols and terpenes, is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Heavy-ion beam mutagenesis, a sophisticated breeding technique, can induce significant variations in plants, thereby affecting their secondary metabolite production. This study utilized metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches to investigate the effects of ¹²C⁶⁺ heavy-ion irradiation on oregano. Our results indicated substantial changes in mutant lines, including marked alterations in plant height, leaf morphology, and biomass accumulation. Metabolomic analysis indicated that the differentially accumulated volatile compounds were primarily terpenoids. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis indicated a predominant enrichment of differentially expressed genes in terpenoid biosynthesis. Integrated analyses identified key transcriptional changes in genes encoding terpenoid backbone enzymes, such as GPPS, GGPPS, DXS, and HMGR, and pinpointed candidate genes, including TPS3, TPS6A, TPS6C, CYP71D178, CYP71D181, and CYP71D10B, whose expression patterns were closely associated with the differential accumulation of carvacrol and thymol. This comprehensive study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic reprogramming induced by heavy-ion irradiation in oregano and offers valuable genetic resources for future metabolic engineering and precision breeding initiatives aimed at enhancing the production of valuable bioactive compounds. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oregano essential oil (OEO) in improving the production performance, health, and welfare of late-phase laying hens raised under commercial farm conditions by analyzing its effect on performance metrics and metabolic and endocrine profiles. Daily performance data for approximately 7884 Hy-Line Brown layers divided into two commercial flocks, one consisting of 96-week-old hens (n = 3849) and the other of 79-week-old hens (n = 4035), were recorded before (Pre-OEO Tx), during (OEO Tx-Week) and one week (Post-OEO Tx Week) following the week of water supplementation with commercial oregano essential oil (5%) of Origanum heracleoticum containing carvacrol (79.75%) as the main component (300 mL of product/1000 L of water). The results show a significant improvement in hen-day egg production (HDEP) during treatment (p < 0.05), a significant decrease in daily mortality one week after the cessation of treatment, mainly in the youngest hens (p < 0.05), and a reduction in feed conversion rate (p < 0.05). The general model (GLM) analysis of data from blood samples collected before and after OEO addition showed a significant decrease in plasma levels of procalcitonin (PCT), calcium, albumin (p < 0.05), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.01). In contrast, a significant increase in estradiol, total protein globulin (p < 0.01), and phosphorus levels (p < 0.05) was recorded. The changes in endocrine profiles were significantly related to a restoration of calcium–phosphorus balance and a decrease in hepatic activity of AST and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT). These results reveal the investigative value of PCT, in conjunction with metabolic profiling and reproductive hormones, for evaluating the effectiveness of phytogenic additives. Further studies are suggested to determine whether essential oil components can improve health and production performances of laying hens by a potential concurrent modulation of their metabolism, inflammatory response, and reproductive axis function. Full article

Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) is one of the most important aromatic plants in the world, recognized for its applications in food and traditional medicine, as well as for its biological potential and chemical diversity. This study investigated the chemical diversity of 12 accessions of Origanum vulgare subsp. virens from Portugal, grown in the wild and on an experimental field (EF), through a comparative analysis of their essential oils, hydrolate volatiles, and the volatiles obtained by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The compounds were identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and quantified by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The yields of the essential oil ranged from 1.5 to 3.3% (v/w). A total of 70 compounds were identified in the essential oil, 74 compounds in the hydrolate volatiles, and 48 compounds by HS-SPME. Cluster analysis separated the 36 samples into two main groups, corresponding to the linalool (35–77%) and the terpene-phenolic chemotypes [thymol (24–82%) and carvacrol (18–93%)]. PCA clearly separated the three methodologies of volatiles extraction while keeping similar chemotypes. With few exceptions, the wild and the corresponding EF-grown plants provided comparable volatile profiles. The choice of analytical method can influence the chemical profile, which demonstrates the need for a more comprehensive approach to understanding the chemical descriptors from Portuguese oregano. Full article

Banana and plantain crops are essential for food security; Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC), is one of the most devastating disease affecting these crops worldwide. The pathogen infects the radicular system and subsequently colonizes and collapses the vascular tissue, leading to wilting and plant death. The aims of our study were to determinate the chemical composition of the essential oil from Origanum vulgare obtained by hydro-distillation, and to evaluate its antifungal activity against FOC race 1. GC/MS analysis identified 31 compounds in the oil. Eugenol (76.3%) and D-Limonene (6.13%) were the main components. Antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro and OEO inhibited the mycelial growth of FOC race 1 at 500 µL L⁻¹. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₅) were 111.1 and 174.1 µL L⁻¹, respectively. Fusarium wilt control evaluated in Silk banana vitroplants was analyzed by disease severity in the internal corm, controlled by oregano essential oil at 3000 µL L⁻¹. OEO treatments had no detrimental effects on Silk banana vitroplants. This paper provides knowledge to use oregano-derived compounds to develop bioproducts aimed at the integral and sustainable management of Fusarium wilt in banana and plantain crops. Full article

Certain essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants have shown potent antifungal effects. In this work, an in vitro study was conducted to examine the antifungal effect of EOs obtained from Greek flora aromatic plants that belong to the Lamiaceae family on two phytopathogenic fungi. Specifically, Satureja horvatii ssp. macrophylla, Coridothymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum were tested against Alternaria sp., which causes tomato black spot, and Fusarium sp., which causes potato tuber dry rot during storage. The antifungal activity of the EOs was assessed using fumigant assays, and their chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). After 8 days of incubation at 26 ± 1 °C, the EOs of O. vulgare ssp. hirtum and C. capitatus completely inhibited mycelial growth at 2 µL plate⁻¹ in the case of Fusarium sp. and at 3 µL plate⁻¹ in the case of Alternaria sp. S. horvatii ssp. macrophylla completely inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium sp. at 3 µL plate⁻¹ and that of Alternaria sp. at 4 µL plate⁻¹. All the essential oils used in the experiments were rich in carvacrol (41.4–70.0%), while thymol levels ranged from 0% to 18.9%. This fumigant effect could be further evaluated for the fruits’ postharvest protection from phytopathogenic fungi during storage. Full article

Synthetic anthelmintic drugs not only contribute to the development of pathogen resistance and environmental pollution but also to the development of pathogen resistance. Therefore, identifying the anthelmintic properties of widely used medicinal plants could be of great practical interest to veterinary and human medicine. In our experiment, we evaluated the in vitro survivability of the noninvasive and invasive (L_1–2 and L_3, respectively) larvae of Strongyloides papillosus and Haemonchus contortus subject to aqueous solutions of ethanolic tinctures of traditional medicinal plants (46 species). Most of the plant species we studied belonged to the families Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium, Arctium lappa, Artemisia absinthium, Bidens tripartita, Calendula officinalis, Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, Echinacea purpurea, Helichrysum arenarium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Silybum marianum, Tanacetum vulgare, Taraxacum officinale, Tragopogon porrifolius), Rosaceae (Agrimonia eupatoria, Fragaria vesca, Sanguisorba officinalis), and Lamiaceae (Leonurus cardiaca, Mentha × piperita, Origanum vulgare, Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris). Other plant families were represented by 1–3 species: Fabaceae (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedysarum alpinum, Trifolium pratense), Salicaceae (Populus nigra, P. tremula, Salix alba), Fagaceae (Quercus robur), Betulaceae (Betula pendula), Juglandaceae (Juglans regia), Rhamnaceae (Frangula alnus), Acoraceae (Acorus calamus), Apiaceae (Foeniculum vulgare), Caprifoliaceae (Valeriana officinalis), Cucurbitaceae (Cucurbita pepo), Equisetaceae (Equisetum arvense), Ericaceae (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Gentianaceae (Centaurium erythraea), Hypericaceae (Hypericum perforatum), Malvaceae (Althaea officinalis), Plantaginaceae (Linaria vulgaris, Plantago major), Poaceae (Zea mays), Polygonaceae (Polygonum aviculare), and Ranunculaceae (Nigella sativa). We determined Artemisia absinthium, Inula helenium, Matricaria chamomilla, Salvia officinalis, and Populus nigra, whose aqueous solutions of alcohol tinctures demonstrated nematocidal properties. The other plants we studied did not affect the viability of parasitic nematode larvae. Full article

Background: The treatment of bacterial dermatological diseases is currently facing major difficulties, determined by the alarming increase in the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to conventional therapies. In this context, a viable and effective alternative is represented by the use of phytocompounds to obtain the desired therapeutic effect. The essential oil of Origanum vulgare L. stands out for its antibacterial, anti-aging, collagen synthesis stimulating and wound healing properties. However, its use is limited by certain disadvantages, such as poor stability and the risk of skin irritation due to accumulation in the dermis. Method: The process of formulating the emulgel with oregano oil respected the specific technological steps. The resulting emulgel was subjected to a series of tests, including organoleptic, stability and antimicrobial efficacy determinations. In addition, an in vivo study was conducted to confirm the lack of irritation, involving six groups of patients differentiated by age, sex and skin phenotype. Results: The test results revealed that the emulgel formulated with oregano oil is stable, has organoleptic properties and an appropriate pH for topical use. The product demonstrated antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, short-term in vivo tests (20 min—96 h) confirmed the safety and absence of skin irritation, indicating its potential as an effective alternative treatment. Conclusions: In conclusion, the emulgel with origanum oil represents an innovative formulation for topical application. The product is well tolerated by the skin and does not cause irritation, and its antibacterial properties validate it as a promising therapeutic solution. Full article

Enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE) was applied to extract bioactive compounds from the leaves of Origanum dictamnus L. using the commercial enzyme preparation Cellic^® CTec3 HS. A Taguchi experimental design was applied to determine the optimal EAE conditions. The variables were enzyme loading, solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time and the responses of total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Under optimized conditions, EAE achieved TPC yield of 164.8 ± 5.2 mg GAE/g and TFC yield reached 92.5 ± 5.7 mg CAE/g. The results support the potential of EAE as an efficient method for extraction of bioactive compounds from Origanum dictamnus L. Full article

The lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) is a widespread disease in Mediterranean aquaculture and could lead to losses in fry as well as prevent the sale of adult gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), affecting both hatchery and on-growing stages. Although LCDV infections are often considered self-limiting, they can lead to severe outcomes due to skin microbiome alterations that promote secondary infections, while also reducing growth and marketability, causing substantial economic losses. Basic biosecurity measures are not successful, and there is no available commercial vaccine. This study evaluated diets supplemented with Origanum vulgare and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils (1% and 2%) in gilthead seabream experimentally infected with LCDV. Preventive feeding (90 days before infection) and therapeutic feeding (initiated at infection) were compared across 11 experimental groups, including infected, recovered, and control groups. Results showed that essential oils were more effective prophylactically than therapeutically, highlighting their protective role when incorporated into diets. Cinnamon-supplemented groups consistently exhibited lower prevalence and mortality than oregano groups. High DNA damage values linked to reduced mortality, particularly in the CIN90.1 group, demonstrated that viral dissemination was most restricted. In conclusion, essential oils modulated LCD progression by influencing viral interactions with DNA damage repair mechanisms, supporting their potential for disease control in intensive aquaculture. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in oral pathogens drives interest in natural alternatives such as essential oils (EOs). Methods: The chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, and Lavandula angustifolia EOs were investigated. Oils were profiled by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 using the disc diffusion method (triplicate, 1 µL/disc, ~850–950 µg). Results: O. vulgare oil produced the strongest inhibition against C. albicans (18.4 ± 0.5 mm), T. vulgaris was most active E. coli (13.0 ± 0.5 mm), while L. angustifolia showed negligible activity (6–7 mm). All EO inhibition zones were smaller than those of antibiotics. Conclusions: At clinically relevant doses, Oregano and Thyme oils showed modest antimicrobial effects, whereas Lavender was inactive. However, these findings are limited by the use of ATCC strains, small sample size, and reliance on the disc diffusion method, which provides only qualitative data and does not capture biofilm or host interactions. Future studies should include minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) assays, biofilm models, and cytotoxicity testing. AI-assisted GC-MS analysis and automated inhibition zone measurement should be considered as future perspectives to improve reproducibility and translational potential. Full article