Search Results (48)

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria around knee implants significantly diminishes patients’ quality of life and mobility, necessitating innovative solutions to combat infections. This study explores the antimicrobial efficacy of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Utilizing bioassay preparation methods and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, we found that tea tree oil notably inhibited S. aureus growth, while Geranium oil effectively targeted S. epidermidis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed substantial morphological alterations in both bacterial strains following treatment with the essential oils. Twenty compounds were identified by GC/MS chemical profiling in tea tree oil, with α-pinene (21.6%), γ-terpinene (21.1%), and terpinen-4-ol (17.3%) being the main ingredients. Forty compounds were found in Geranium oil, with citronellol (42.2%), geraniol (30.5%), and linalool (9.8%) constituting the majority. Our findings suggest that incorporating these essential oils into orthopaedic implants could significantly enhance their antibacterial effectiveness, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments and potentially reducing infection rates associated with knee implants. This research not only contributes to the understanding of natural antimicrobial agents but also paves the way for their practical application in clinical settings, addressing the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance. Full article

Plant essential oils offer eco-friendly alternatives to insecticides, though their instability limits effectiveness. This study evaluated the physicochemical stability and fumigant efficacy of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) oil nanoemulsion (GONE) versus bulk geranium oil (GOB) against Callosobruchus maculatus. Geranium oil nanoemulsions (GONEs) were prepared via spontaneous emulsification using 8% oil and varying surfactant levels. The 10% surfactant formulation produced the most uniform and stable nanoemulsion, with an average droplet size of 91.85 ± 0.02 nm and a low polydispersity index of 0.16 ± 0.02. No significant changes in droplet size were observed after 30 days of storage at room temperature and 9 °C, confirming the formulation’s stability. A fumigant bioassay was conducted using five concentrations (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µL/L air) of GOB and GONE over 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. Both forms exhibited concentration- and time-dependent toxicity against C. maculatus. Complete mortality was achieved sooner and at lower doses with GONE (72 h at 150 µL/L air versus 250 µL/L air for GOB; 96 h at 150 µL/L air for GONE versus 200 µL/L air for GOB). Geranium oil nanoemulsion consistently produced lower LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values, indicating greater potency. It also significantly reduced progeny development. Residual fumigant bioassays at the LC₉₀ level showed that GONE retained efficacy against C. maculatus adults longer than GOB, causing 50% mortality 12 days post-treatment compared to 21% for GOB. Overall, nanoformulation enhanced the potency and persistence of geranium oil, highlighting its promise for protecting stored grains from C. maculatus. Full article

Xylella fastidiosa was first detected in Portugal in 2019 in Lavandula dentata. In response, the national plant health authorities promptly established a Demarcated Zone in the affected area and implemented a series of eradication and control measures, including the systematic removal and destruction of infected and host plants. This study analyzes the economic and operational impacts of these eradication efforts in the northern region of Portugal, with a focus on Demarcated Zones such as the Porto Metropolitan Area, Sabrosa, Alijó, Baião, Mirandela, Mirandela II, and Bougado between 2019 and June 2023. During this period, about 412,500 plants were uprooted. The majority were Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern), with 360,324 individuals (87.3%), reflecting its wide distribution and the large area affected. Olea europaea (olive tree) was the second most common species removed, with 7024 plants (1.7%), highlighting its economic relevance. Other notable species included Quercus robur (3511; 0.85%), Pelargonium graveolens (3509; 0.85%), and Rosa spp. (1106; 0.27%). Overall, destruction costs were estimated at about EUR 1.04 million, with replanting costs of roughly EUR 6.81 million. In parallel, prospection activities—conducted to detect early signs of infection and monitor disease spread—generated expenses of roughly EUR 5.94 million. While prospecting represents a significant financial investment, the results show that it is considerably more cost-effective than large-scale eradication. Prospection enables early detection and containment, preventing the widespread destruction of vegetation and minimizing disruption to agricultural production, biodiversity, and local communities. Importantly, our findings reveal a sharp decline in confirmed cases in the initial outbreak area—the Porto Demarcated Zone—from 124 cases in 2019 to just 5 in 2023, indicating the effectiveness of the eradication and monitoring measures implemented. However, the presence of 20 active Demarcated Zones across the country as of 2023 highlights the continued risk of spread and the need for sustained vigilance. The complexity of managing Xylella fastidiosa across ecologically and logistically diverse territories justifies the high costs associated with surveillance and targeted interventions. This study reinforces the strategic value of prospection as a proactive and sustainable tool for plant health management. Effective surveillance requires the integration of advanced methodologies aligned with the phenological stages of host plants and the biological cycle of vectors. Targeting high-risk locations, optimizing sample numbers, ensuring diagnostic accuracy, and maintaining continuous training for field teams are critical for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Ultimately, the findings underscore the need to refine and adapt monitoring and eradication strategies to contain the pathogen, safeguard agricultural systems, and prevent Xylella fastidiosa from becoming endemic in Portugal. Full article

Nowadays, the use of natural biological bio-stimulants such as seaweed extract (SWE) is highly considered for alleviating the adverse effects of drought stress in many plant species. This study evaluated the effects of drought stress and foliar application of seaweed extract (SWE) on the morphological, physiological, and phytochemical traits of Pelargonium graveolens. Three levels of water irrigation regimes were used in combination with four SWE concentrations (0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mL L⁻¹). Based on the GC-MS analysis, 83 compounds were identified, of which citronellol, citronellyl formate, α-gurjunene, δ-cadinene, and γ-cadinene were the major constituents of P. graveolens leaves. The highest citronellol content (56.2%) was found under moderate irrigation with 5 mL of L⁻¹ SWE, while the lowest amount (26.78%) was obtained under full irrigation with no foliar application of SWE. Citronellyl formate and α-gurjunene exhibited their highest relative abundance under non-stress conditions following foliar application of 5 mL L⁻¹ and 0 mL L⁻¹ of SWE, respectively. In contrast, δ-cadinene reached its highest value under severe drought stress when treated with 7.5 mL of L⁻¹ SWE, indicating a stress-responsive shift in essential oil (EO) composition profile. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that full irrigation with 7.5 mL of L⁻¹ SWE and mild drought with 5 mL of L⁻¹ SWE were the best treatments for ameliorating the EO content and composition. ANOVA revealed that SWE significantly improved the fresh root weight, leaf dimensions, carotenoids, total chlorophyll, protein content, and antioxidant enzyme activities. The 7.5 mL of L⁻¹ SWE treatment notably increased fresh root weight by 29.16% and enhanced chlorophyll and protein levels under moderate and severe drought conditions. Drought stress reduced shoot biomass but had no significant effect on chlorophyll content. Carotenoid and antioxidant activities were significantly influenced by both drought and SWE, with the highest levels observed at 5 mL of L⁻¹ SWE. Antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and guaiacol peroxidase) and total antioxidant activity were enhanced by SWE and its interaction with drought stress conditions. These results suggest that foliar SWE application at 5–7.5 mL L⁻¹ effectively mitigates drought stress and enhances both growth and EO composition in P. graveolens. Full article

Rose geranium is widely used for oil extraction and in the food, perfume, and pharmaceutical industries. The waste produced after oil extraction has no alternative use and is usually dumped into the environment, causing pollution. This study aimed to use waste rose geranium stems (SPG) as a potential adsorbent for ibuprofen from water. The adsorbent was characterised by SEM-EDX, FTIR, TGA, and BET. The SEM images showed that the adsorbent had a rough surface with voids and pores. Different functional groups were detected on the surface of SPG with FTIR. The trend of IBU adsorption showed that the adsorption capacity increases when the initial concentration of working standards is increased. The data for the contact time effect show that the adsorption rate was fast in the initial stage between 1 and 45 min. Afterward, a slow adsorption rate occurred between 65 and 105 min. The kinetic data corresponded to the Langmuir and pseudo-first-order (PFO) models. The highest recorded IBU uptake was 34.88 mg/g. The ΔH^o value shows that the adsorption of IBU on SPG was controlled by physisorption. The obtained values of ΔG^o are negative, indicating that the uptake of IBU was spontaneous. Full article

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, and bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. malvacearum, results in substantial economic losses worldwide, and searching for new antibacterial agents is a critical challenge. In this study, regional isolates AE28 and RQ3 were obtained from characteristic lesions on Citrus limon and Gossypium hirsutum, respectively. Essential oils extracted by steam distillation from the fresh aerial parts of Pelargonium graveolens and Schinus molle exhibited complete (100%) inhibition of bacterial growth in vitro at a concentration of 1000 ppm, as determined by diffusion tests. To evaluate the potential of these essential oils for controlling Xanthomonas-induced diseases, in vivo assays were conducted on lemon leaves and cotton cotyledons inoculated with the regional AE28 and RQ3 strains. Two treatment approaches were tested: preventive application (24 h before inoculation) and curative application (24 h after inoculation). Preventive and curative treatments with P. graveolens essential oil significantly reduced citrus canker severity, whereas S. molle essential oil did not show a significant reduction compared to the control. In contrast, regardless of the treatment’s timing, both essential oils effectively reduced bacterial blight severity in cotton cotyledons by approximately 1.5-fold. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified geraniol and citronellol as the major components of P. graveolens essential oil, while limonene and t-cadinol were predominant in S. molle. These findings highlight the promising potential of botanical products as bactericidal agents, warranting further research to optimize their application and efficacy. Full article

Pelargonium graveolens L’Hèr. (Geraniaceae) is renowned for its traditional use as a flavor, ornamental and medicinal plant. This work aimed at an in-depth study of the phytochemical profiling and in vitro antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assessment of a methanol-aqueous extract from P. graveolens leaves. A UHPLC-HRMS analysis revealed more than 110 secondary metabolites, including 8 acyltartaric and 11 acylcitric/acylisocitric acids; 8 gallotannins; 36 flavonols, flavanones and methoxylated flavonoids together with 17 phenolic and aliphatic acids; and 21 phenolic acid glycosides. For the first time, acylcitric acids along with feruloyl- and coumaroyltartaric acids are reported in the species. The leaf extract actively scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl DPPH (273.45 mg trolox equivalent (TE/g)) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS^•+) radicals (531.97 mgTE/g) and showed a high reducing power: 431.32 mg TE/g Cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and 292.21 mg TE/g Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). It possessed a metal chelating capacity (13.44 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid equivalent (EDTAE)/g) and contained 2.71 mmol TE/g in the phosphomolybdenum assay. The rose geranium extract exhibited high inhibition towards acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase (2.80 and 2.20 mg galantamine equivalent (GALAE)/g, respectively) and tyrosinase (75.49 mg kojic acid equivalent (KAE)/g). It inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase (3.75 mmol and 0.79 acarbose equivalent (ACAE)/g, respectively) and lipase (28.91 mg orlistat equivalent (OE)/g). This study sheds light into the future potential application of the rose geranium in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Full article

The essential oil and the aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Pelargonium graveolens cultivated in Morocco were studied for their antioxidant and insecticidal activity against rice weevils (Sitophylus oryzae). The total phenolic content of the extracts was determined by a spectrophotometric method and the phenolic compounds were extensively characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS. To evaluate antioxidant potential, three in vitro assays were used. In the DPPH test, the ethanolic extract was the most active, followed by the aqueous extract and the essential oil. In the reducing power assay, excellent activity was highlighted for both extracts, while in the Fe²⁺ chelating activity assay, weak activity was observed for both the essential oil and the ethanolic extract and no activity for the aqueous extract. Concerning insecticide activity, the toxicity of the essential oil and the extracts was tested against rice weevils; the lethal concentrations LC₅₀ and LC₉₉ were determined, as well as the lethal time required for the death of 50% (LT₅₀) and 99% (LT₉₉) of the weevils. The essential oil had the highest activity; 100% mortality of S. oryzae was observed around 5, 9, and 8 days for the essential oil and the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. Full article

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders affecting millions of people worldwide. There is a growing demand for novel and natural substances as complementary therapies. Essential oils and their various compounds are highly investigated natural plant-based products as potential treatment options for common human diseases, such as microbial infections, chronic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The present study focuses on the beneficial effects of linalool and geraniol, the major compounds of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L.) and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér. in Aiton) essential oils, on oxidative stress, inflammation, and iron metabolism of the rotenone and 6-hydroxydopamine-induced in vitro Parkinson’s models. The experiments were carried out on all-trans retinoic acid differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. The effects of linalool and geraniol were compared to rasagiline, an MAO-B inhibitor. The results revealed that both essential oil compounds reduce the level of reactive oxygen species and alter the antioxidant capacity of the cells. They lower the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β pro-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, linalool and geraniol change the expression of iron-related genes, such as the iron importer transferrin receptor 1, heme-oxygenase-1, and ferroportin iron exporter, and influence the intracellular iron contents. In addition, it has been unveiled that iron availability is concatenated with the actions of the essential oil compounds. Based on the results, linalool and geraniol are vigorous candidates as an alternative therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Full article

In recent years, essential oils (EOs) have received increased attention from the research community, and the EOs of cinnamon, patchouli, and geranium have become highly recognized for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Due to these properties, they have become valuable and promising candidates for addressing the worldwide threat of antimicrobial resistance and other diseases. Simultaneously, studies have revealed promising new results regarding the effects of physical fields (magnetic and electric) and LASER (MEL) exposure on seed germination, plant growth, biomass accumulation, and the yield and composition of EOs. In this frame, the present study aims to investigate the influence of MEL treatments on cinnamon, patchouli, and geranium EOs, by specifically examining their composition, antimicrobial properties, and antioxidant activities. Results showed that the magnetic influence has improved the potency of patchouli EO against L. monocytogenes, S. enteritidis, and P. aeruginosa, while the antimicrobial activity of cinnamon EO against L. monocytogenes was enhanced by the electric and laser treatments. All exposures have increased the antifungal effect of geranium EO against C. albicans. The antioxidant activity was not modified by any of the treatments. These findings could potentially pave the way for a deeper understanding of the efficiency, the mechanisms of action, and the utilization of EOs, offering new insights for further exploration and application. Full article

Nanoscale geranium waste (GW) and magnesium nanoparticle/GW nanocomposites (Mg NP/GW) were prepared using green synthesis. The Mg NP/GW samples were subjected to characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-FT). The surface morphology of the materials was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their thermal stability was assessed through thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). The BET-specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size distribution of the prepared materials were determined using the N2 adsorption–desorption method. Additionally, the particle size and zeta potentials of the materials were also measured. The influence of the prepared nanomaterials on seed germination was intensively investigated. The results revealed an increase in seed germination percent at low concentrations of Mg NP/GWs. Upon treatment with Mg NP/GW nanoparticles, a reduction in the mitotic index (MI) was observed, indicating a decrease in cell division. Additionally, an increase in chromosomal abnormalities was detected. The efficacy of GW and Mg NP/GW nanoparticles as new elicitors was evaluated by studying their impact on the expression levels of the farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS1) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GPPS1) genes. These genes play a crucial role in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway in Sinapis alba (S. alba) and Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) plants. The expression levels were analyzed using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. The qRT-PCR analysis of FPPS and GPPS gene expression was performed. The outputs of FPPS1 gene expression demonstrated high levels of mRNA in both S. alba and P. graveolens with fold changes of 25.24 and 21.68, respectively. In contrast, the minimum expression levels were observed for the GPPS1 gene, with fold changes of 11.28 and 6.48 in S. alba and P. graveolens, respectively. Thus, this study offers the employment of medicinal plants as an alternative to fertilizer usage resulting in promoting environmental preservation, optimal waste utilization, reducing water consumption, and cost reduction. Full article

This study explores the effects of chitosan (CHT) and jasmonic acid (JA) elicitors on rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens Hort.) cell suspension cultures, aiming to enhance the production of phenolics and flavonoids and antioxidant properties. Elicitation with CHT and JA resulted in varied biomass yields and callus characteristics, with higher concentrations generally leading to increased phenolic accumulation. Optimal biomass was achieved with CHT4 (75 mg/mL) and JA3 (50 µM) treatments. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed changes in phenolic compound composition and quantities, with specific compounds induced by either CHT₄ or JA₃. For instance, gallic acid content increased significantly in CHT₄-treated cells, while catechin content increased notably in both CHT₄ and JA₃ treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase and peroxidase increased with elicitor concentration, particularly in CHT₄ and JA₃ treatments. Both treatments exhibited potent antioxidant activity, with JA₃ exhibiting the lowest IC₅₀ value in the DPPH assay and highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values. Surprisingly, both CHT₄ and JA₃ extracts effectively inhibited tyrosinase activity. These findings underscore the efficacy of CHT and JA elicitors in enhancing phenolic and flavonoid production, boosting antioxidant capacity, and inhibiting tyrosinase activity in P. graveolens cultures, offering promising implications for further research and industrial applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. Full article

The use of biochar in soilless media is becoming more common in greenhouse production. This study was conducted to evaluate Eastern red cedar biochar as a soilless-media supplement for the growth of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) and petunia (Petunia sp. J.) as potted plants in greenhousese. Eastern red cedar biomass was produced at three different temperature ranges 300–350 °C, 400–450 °C, and 500–550 °C and applied at 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% v/v to a soilless media plus a control. Additionally, Eastern red cedar (ERC) bark was also applied at 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% v/v to a soilless media. The growth characteristics of the plants along with the physical and nutrient properties of the growth media were recorded. For physical properties, 100% soilless media had the greatest bulk density, 60% biochar at 400–450 °C showed the greatest total porosity, and 60% ERC bark showed the greatest air porosity. For geranium, 15% biochar at 500–550 °C showed the greatest height, water use efficiency, and shoot dry weight, while 15% biochar at 300–350 °C showed the greatest width. The greatest number of flowers was at 45% biochar at 500–550 °C. For petunia, 15% biochar at 300–350 °C showed the greatest height, and 15% biochar at 500–550 °C showed the greatest width. The greatest number of flowers and flower diameter was achieved with 100% soilless media. The 15% biochar at 500–550 °C had the greatest shoot dry weight and water use efficiency, and 60% biochar at 400–450 °C had the greatest root dry weight. Biochar treatment outperforms the ERC bark treatment for both species. Within biochar treatment, 15% biochar outperforms dry biomass, while for flowering, 100% soilless media performs best for petunia, and biochar performs best at less than 45% for geranium. Full article

The essential oil of Pelargonium graveolens (PGEO) is identified in the literature as a rich source of bioactive compounds with a high level of biological activity. This study aimed to examine the chemical profile of PGEO as well as its antioxidant, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and insecticidal properties. Its chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), achieving comprehensive identification of 99.2% of volatile compounds. The predominant identified compounds were β-citronellol (29.7%) and geraniol (14.6%). PGEO’s antioxidant potential was determined by means of DPPH radical and ABTS radical cation neutralization. The results indicate a higher capacity of PGEO to neutralize the ABTS radical cation, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.26 ± 0.02 mg/mL. Two techniques were used to assess antimicrobial activity: minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disk diffusion. Antimicrobial evaluation using the disk diffusion method revealed that Salmonella enterica (14.33 ± 0.58 mm), which forms biofilms, and Priestia megaterium (14.67 ± 0.58 mm) were most susceptible to exposure to PGEO. The MIC assay demonstrated the highest performance of this EO against biofilm-forming S. enterica (MIC 50 0.57 ± 0.006; MIC 90 0.169 ± 0.08 mg/mL). In contrast to contact application, the assessment of the in situ vapor phase antibacterial activity of PGEO revealed significantly more potent effects. An analysis of antibiofilm activity using MALDI-TOF MS demonstrated PGEO’s capacity to disrupt the biofilm homeostasis of S. enterica growing on plastic and stainless steel. Additionally, insecticidal evaluations indicated that treatment with PGEO at doses of 100% and 50% resulted in the complete mortality of all Harmonia axyridis individuals. Full article

Pain in lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) patients is closely associated with psychological factors, including anxiety, stress, and depression, and is a critical determinant of patient daily functionality and overall quality of life. The present study evaluated the effects of inhalation of Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) essential oil (GEO) on pain and related psychological factors in LSS patients. Fifty-nine patients, categorized as having mild or moderate to severe pain based on pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, were randomly assigned to inhalation of 1% GEO or placebo control (PC). No significant differences between GEO and PC were observed in patients with mild pain, whereas differences in anxiety-VAS and stress-VAS scores were observed in patients with moderate to severe pain. Anxiety-VAS and stress-VAS scores decreased significantly after GEO but not after PC inhalation. Regardless of the severity of pain, post-intervention pain-VAS scores were significantly lower in the GEO group than in the PC group. In summary, GEO reduced pain and improved anxiety and stress, particularly among patients with moderate to severe pain. These findings suggest that GEO inhalation may have potential as an adjunct therapy for improving pain management and alleviating anxiety and stress in LSS patients with insufficient responses to pharmacological pain control. Full article