Search Results (338)

(1) Background: The global transition away from antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) requires effective, sustainable alternatives to maintain broiler performance and intestinal homeostasis. This study evaluated the effects of dietary wild thyme powder, administered alone or combined with a prebiotic or probiotic, as potential AGP alternatives on growth performance, serum oxidative status, immune response, cecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, ileal histomorphometry, and intestinal barrier integrity in broilers. (2) Methods: Five hundred forty-six male Ross 308 chicks were assigned to seven treatments (n = 13 replicates/group) for 28 d: T1 (basal diet); T2 (0.5 g/kg antibiotic Neoxyval); T3 (1.0 g/kg thyme); T4 (0.75 g/kg prebiotic); T5 (0.50 g/kg probiotic); T6 (prebiotic + thyme); and T7 (probiotic + thyme). Growth performance was measured, and one bird from each replicate was randomly sampled at 28 d for multi-endpoint biological analyses. (3) Results: Birds that received T3 to T7 had increased final body weight and weight gain. Cumulative feed conversion ratio was improved in the T3, T5, and T7 groups, with T7 displaying numerical superiority over individual additive groups without reaching statistical synergy. All-natural supplements (T3, T5, T6, T7) lowered serum malondialdehyde and enhanced interferon-γ. Birds receiving T6 showed increased tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas birds receiving T3 and T4 showed reduced levels. Probiotic-inclusive diets (T5 and T7) significantly increased cecal propionic acid, total SCFAs, and ileal villus surface area. Natural additive treatments broadly promoted cecal eubiosis by increasing Lactobacillus spp. while decreasing Clostridium spp. Crucially, combining thyme with prebiotics (T6) or probiotics (T7) synergistically upregulated ileal tissue occludin concentrations. (4) In conclusion, under the conditions of this trial, dietary supplementation with wild thyme powder, a MOS/β-glucan prebiotic, and a Bacillus licheniformis probiotic, particularly the thyme + probiotic combination, was an effective regimen for supporting growth performance, cecal eubiosis, and ileal barrier integrity in healthy broilers. However, these findings are limited to a single dose level (1.0 g/kg thyme), a single plant source, and non-challenged conditions; further research incorporating dose–response evaluations, disease-challenge models, and diverse phytogenic origins is necessary to confirm broader field applicability. Full article

Background/Objectives: In this study, nanoemulsions containing Thymus vulgaris (TV) and Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) essential oils (EOs) were prepared and characterized, and their antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm activities were evaluated against some oral pathogens. Methods: Three nanoemulsions containing 5% TV-EO (F1), 5% RO-EO (F2), and a combination of 2.5% TV-EO and 2.5% RO-EO (F3) were prepared by emulsification followed by high-speed homogenization. Results: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-MS-FID) analysis revealed linalool (79.51%) as the major constituent of TV-EO and eucalyptol (58.13%), together with camphor (10.80%), as the predominant compounds of RO-EO. All nanoemulsions exhibited nanosized droplets, low polydispersity index (PDI) values (<0.3), and moderate to high colloidal stability. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed predominantly spherical droplets in all formulations (F1–F3). All formulations exhibited antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. Among the tested formulations, F2 showed the strongest antibacterial activity, whereas F3 exhibited the highest antibiofilm activity against mature S. mutans biofilms, achieving approximately 80% inhibition, comparable to chlorhexidine (CHX). Although F3 possessed the smallest droplet size, its antimicrobial activity was lower than that of F2, suggesting that biological activity was influenced not only by droplet size but also by EO composition. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of TV-EO and RO-EO nanoemulsions as promising natural alternatives for mouthwash formulations and highlight the importance of EO composition in determining antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy. Full article

Mediterranean aromatic plants are valuable sources of essential oils (EOs) with biological properties that hold promise for sustainable weed management. This study evaluated the phytotoxic activity of EOs from Thymus vulgaris L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., and Salvia officinalis L. in vitro against key weed species common to Mediterranean agroecosystems. The EOs were tested at concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 1.50 µL mL⁻¹, assessing their impact on seed germination and early seedling growth of Avena fatua L., Lolium rigidum Gaudin, Sonchus oleraceus L., and Amaranthus retroflexus L. Thyme EO, primarily composed of thymol and γ-terpinene, exhibited the strongest phytotoxic activity, completely inhibiting the germination of A. fatua, L. rigidum, and S. oleraceus at all concentrations tested. In contrast, A. retroflexus was the most resistant weed species, with germination fully inhibited only at concentrations ≥ 0.50 µL mL⁻¹. Lavender EO, rich in linalool and linalyl anthranilate, demonstrated a more species-specific effect. It almost entirely suppressed the germination of S. oleraceus at all doses and inhibited germination of A. fatua and L. rigidum at concentrations ≥ 0.50 µL mL⁻¹. Again, A. retroflexus was the most tolerant species, with complete inhibition occurring only at the highest concentrations applied. Sage EO, containing eucalyptol and thujone as its main constituents, was the least effective, fully inhibiting S. oleraceus germination at concentrations ≥ 1.00 µL mL⁻¹, and L. rigidum at 1.50 µL mL⁻¹. Seedling growth was highly sensitive to EO treatments, even when germination was not entirely suppressed. These results highlight the potential of Mediterranean Lamiaceae EOs as plant-derived bioherbicides for integrated weed management. Full article

The main objectives of this study were to look at bee visitation to some common forage plants that could be used in place of or in conjunction with turfgrasses and to compare establishment methods to increase pollinator forage in turfed landscapes. Bee foraging patterns were assessed on four flower species: white clover (Trifolium repens L.), medium and mammoth red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and common selfheal (Prunella vulgaris L. var lanceolata [Barton] Fern.) by conducting quadrat surveys on two floral plots in southern Rhode Island. Flower species were planted in randomized replicated plots to assess comparative foraging patterns of local bee species. Medium Trifolium pratense had the highest number and diversity of bee foragers in 2022. In 2023, T. pratense maintained high visitation, but the trend in diversity of visitors shifted, with T. repens and P. vulgaris having the highest bee species richness. Floral visitation generally followed shifting floral abundances, with some variation among bee species, potentially due to selective preferences. Overall, Trifolium spp. and P. vulgaris are valuable floral resources that support a wide range of bee species and can be included in pollinator plantings, incorporated into mowed turf areas/lawns, or used separately to enhance available bee forage. We also present results on the effectiveness of five different methods (flail mowing, flail mowing/slice seeding, rototilling, herbicide, and occultation via weed fabric) in establishing these four species as well as creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) in turf. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hytallzen™ is a natural combined extract of Artemisia princeps and Thymus vulgaris. The present study evaluated its growth-promoting effects during the rapid growth period in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Methods: Hytallzen™ (150 mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 9 weeks beginning at postnatal week 3. Growth-related parameters, including body weight, body length, food intake, serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and tibia length and weight, were assessed. Results: Hytallzen™ significantly increased body weight, body length, food intake, tibia length, and tibia weight compared with controls. In addition, serum IGF-1 concentration was significantly elevated at week 6 and showed positive correlations with final body weight, body length, tibia length, and tibia weight. Conclusions: These findings suggest that Hytallzen™ is associated with favorable changes in growth-related parameters and serum IGF-1 levels in healthy growing rats, supporting its potential as a growth-supportive material under normal physiological growth conditions. Full article

Medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive secondary metabolites, yet their long-term effects on the rhizosphere (RS) microbial communities remain poorly understood, particularly with respect to microbial selection and functional potential. This study evaluated the number of selected groups of microorganisms culturable in vitro in the RS and bulk soil (BS) within 10-year monocultures of 11 medicinal plant species, and as a targeted case study, we performed shotgun metagenomic profiling for Allium ursinum. The abundance of microorganisms differed markedly among plant species, indicating species-specific RS selection. Azotobacter spp. showed the strongest variation: they were not detected in the RS of Allium ursinum, Thymus vulgaris, and Carum carvi, whereas higher counts were observed under Artemisia dracunculus (135.1 × 10² CFU g⁻¹ DM), Melissa officinalis (67.1 × 10² CFU g⁻¹ DM) and Calendula officinalis (38.8× 10² CFU g⁻¹ DM). Azotobacter spp. may serve as a sensitive candidate indicator of RS imbalance. Metagenomic analysis of the A. ursinum-associated soil revealed fine-scale taxonomic restructuring, while major functional categories remained broadly similar between the RS and BS. The novelty of this study lies in the development of the Integrated Microbiological Health Soil Index (IMHSI) and the proposal of a Nitrogen Enrichment Index (NEI) as exploratory composite metrics that integrate selected functional microbial groups. Full article

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major public health concern, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and antimicrobial resistance. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are recognized as key vehicles in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens, primarily via contaminated hands and medical devices. This study assessed the effectiveness of hand hygiene protocols among HCWs, their correlation with bloodstream infections, and the potential of natural antimicrobial agents as complementary preventive measures. Between January and June 2025, 128 hand samples were collected from HCWs in surgical, intensive care, and internal medicine units of hospitals managed by ASL Caserta (Marcianise, n = 65; Piedimonte Matese, n = 30; Sessa Aurunca, n = 18; Maddaloni, n = 15). Sampling was performed upon entry to clinical areas and after antiseptic handwashing, using Rodac TSA plates to quantify microbial load (CFU/cm²). Isolates were identified via MALDI-TOF, and multidrug resistance was confirmed using the Phoenix BD system. Microbial growth was detected in 54.7% of samples. Coagulase-negative staphylococci, mainly Staphylococcus epidermidis and S. hominis, accounted for 67.1% of positive cultures, followed by Enterobacteriaceae (28.6%). Comparison with concurrently collected blood cultures revealed potential overlapping pathogens, with Staphylococcus spp. prevalence ranging from 35 to 56% and Gram-negatives from 18 to 39. Selected isolates were further tested for susceptibility to natural antimicrobial agents, derived from hop, red vine leaf, green tea, and pomegranate fruit, as well as thyme essential oil. Thyme essential oil (Thymus vulgaris) demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity, in several cases surpassing that of standard hygiene agents. These findings highlight not only that maintaining high standards of hand hygiene, proper care of invasive devices, and continuous microbiological surveillance is critical for preventing HAIs, but also that incorporating natural antimicrobial compounds into hygiene protocols may provide an effective and sustainable adjunct to reduce microbial contamination and combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Full article

Mounting acaricide resistance in Tetranychus mexicanus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranychidae), among the most damaging phytophagous mites in tropical and subtropical crops, has intensified the search for botanical alternatives. An oil-in-water nanoemulsion of Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TVEO-NE) was developed and evaluated for lethal and sublethal effects on adult females of T. mexicanus. TVEO, composed mainly of thymol (45%) and p-cymene (37%), was formulated by low-energy emulsification yielding stable dispersions (~200 nm; PDI < 0.25; zeta potential of −22.2 mV). At 30.0 mg a.i./mL, TVEO-NE caused 68.3% corrected mortality at 72 h and suppressed fecundity by ~44–52%; vehicle controls exerted only moderate effects, identifying the essential oil as the primary bioactive driver. Morphological examination revealed collapse of female idiosomata and disruption of excretory pellet architecture, corroborating the bioassay data. Molecular docking against a cathepsin L homology model revealed that thymol and p-cymene interact exclusively via hydrophobic contacts and display substantially lower ChemPLP fitness scores than the reference cysteine protease inhibitor E64, indicating weak predicted binding affinity and arguing against enzyme inhibition as the primary mechanism. Taken together, bioassay, morphological, and docking are consistent with supporting membrane partitioning as a plausible primary mode of action, positioning TVEO-based nanoemulsions as promising botanical tools for T. mexicanus management. Full article

Phytophthora species are among the most destructive plant pathogens worldwide, causing severe losses in agricultural, forest, and natural ecosystems. In recent years, the management of Phytophthora diseases has increasingly shifted toward eco-sustainable strategies, with growing interest in plant-derived extracts, particularly essential oils, as low-risk alternatives to synthetic fungicides. In this study, a structured review was combined with new in vitro assays to assess the antifungal activity of essential oils from Thymus vulgaris (TV-EO) and T. serpyllum (TS-EO) against P. cinnamomi, P. drechsleri, P. cactorum, P. citrophthora, P. nicotianae, P. palmivora, and P. infestans. Literature searches were conducted in April 2025 using the Web of Science and Scopus databases, following PRISMA guidelines, with the search term “Thymus” or “Thyme” and “Phytophthora”. Twenty studies included in the review demonstrated that the activity of Thymus essential oils against Phytophthora species was highly variable and shaped by chemotype, Thymus species, pathogen, and experimental setup. Additional in vitro assays further confirmed a clear dose-dependent inhibitory effect for both TV-EO and TS-EO. TS-EO consistently exhibited stronger activity than TV-EO, likely reflecting its carvacrol-rich chemotype, while thymol-based TV-EO showed lower but still significant inhibition depending on the pathogen species. Overall, these results highlight the potential of Thymus essential oils as eco-friendly tools for the management of Phytophthora diseases. However, the strong dependence on chemotype, pathogen species, and assay conditions underscores the need for standardized testing, detailed chemical characterization, and in vivo validation. Full article

Insects, such as the Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) and the armyworm (Mythimna unipuncta), and nematodes, including the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) and the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), are major agricultural pests. Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are promising botanical pesticides due to their bioactivity. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of EOs from Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, Ocimum gratissimum, Mentha pulegium, and Cinnamomum cassia, and their main compounds (carvacrol, thymol, eugenol, pulegone, and trans-cinnamaldehyde, respectively), on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and α- and β-glucosidases using crude enzyme extracts. All EOs inhibited AChE, with no significant effects on glucosidases. M. pulegium EO showed the strongest inhibition in C. capitata (IC₅₀ = 0.022 mg/mL) and B. xylophilus (IC₅₀ = 0.1209 mg/mL), while C. cassia EO was most effective against M. unipuncta (IC₅₀ = 0.0020 mg/mL) and M. incognita (IC₅₀ = 0.0197 mg/mL). In silico analysis revealed selective inhibition of insect AChE by EO-derived compounds, with insignificant effects on electric eel AChE, supporting species-specific interactions. These findings highlight EOs as selective, neurotargeting, and sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Full article

Background: The use of plant-derived agents is a common approach in integrative care for respiratory conditions. However, the evidence of clinical trials has not yet been comprehensively presented. Aim: To summarize the antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and expectorant properties of Echinacea spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Hedera helix, Thymus vulgaris, Althaea officinalis, Sambucus nigra, Zingiber officinale, and Curcuma longa, and to evaluate the evidence level from clinical trials (CTs) involving these agents in patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Methods: We conducted a literature search using the PubMed database focusing on clinical studies of plant-derived agents in upper and lower RTIs. PRISMA-based reporting elements were used only as a guiding tool for comprehensibility of the literature search (Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines). Results: A summary and structured overview of the properties of these most-cited plant-derived agents in the literature, in the context of RTIs, was provided. A total of 94 reports met the eligibility criteria and were included in our review. Of these, 66 reported randomized and placebo-controlled trials investigating the efficacy and tolerability of these adjuncts in patients with RTIs. The non-randomized and uncontrolled trials were 22. Sufficient evidence to be regarded as an appropriate treatment to reduce the severity and duration of RTIs was found for all discussed plant-derived agents. Robust evidence available was found for Echinacea spp., Pelargonium sidoides, Sambucus nigra, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale. Conclusions: Regarding other plant-derived agents reported in the traditional medicine for the treatment of RTIs, further research is needed to clarify the evidence gaps. Full article

The use of non-biodegradable plastic food packaging materials has become a major environmental concern. These plastics release chemicals and microplastics during degradation, harming wildlife and entering the food chain, posing risks to both environmental and human health. This study aimed to evaluate electrospun poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) mats incorporating natural antibacterial Thymus vulgaris L. extract (TE) and natural crosslinker citric acid (CA) as alternative food packaging materials. Packaging mats with TE and/or CA combinations in PVP were evaluated for their structural, chemical, optical, and shelf-life-enhancing effects on blueberries. The results show that dissolving PVP in TE extract and adding CA in PVP ethanol-water or TE-based solutions significantly affected the viscosity and conductivity of the electrospinning solutions, thereby influencing the morphology of electrospun mats. FTIR analysis confirmed the incorporation of TE into the polymer and indicated CA induced hydrogen bonding, interactions that may reduce the polymer chain mobility and increase the brittleness of the electrospun mat. In tests with blueberries, it was estimated that the commonly used traditional food film minimized blueberry weight loss, whereas the porous electrospun PVP and PVP/TE mats allowed greater moisture release and preserved better visual quality by reducing wrinkling and dehydration. Overall, electrospun PVP-based mats functionalized with TE show promise as sustainable food packaging materials that balance moisture management with product appearance. Full article

The transition toward a sustainable agri-food system, aligned with agricultural and environmental policy objectives, has increased interest in aromatic plants as non-synthetic pesticide alternatives. This study focused on evaluating the antifungal potential of five specific aromatic plant species, particularly Lavandula dentata, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis, against the phytopathogenic soil-borne fungi Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici and Verticillium dahliae. During screening, L. dentata and T. vulgaris extracts exhibited strong in vitro fungicidal activity. Bioactive compounds previously detected in both lavender and thyme were identified in their extracts using a triple quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometer. Assessment of in vitro phytoprotective action of L. dentata extract in solid and liquid growth media demonstrated inhibitory effects against F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici at concentrations above 1% v/v, with inhibitory effects of L. dentata extract being observed at concentrations equal to or above 2% v/v. T. vulgaris extract inhibited V. dahliae growth on solid media at concentrations at 1% v/v or above, while inhibitory effects were observed in broth media containing 2% v/v thyme extract. Seed germination tests of both L. dentata and T. vulgaris revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in their germination index (GI) at concentrations equal or above 2% v/v, apart from the effect of lavender extract on cress, where inhibition occurred at dose application above 5% v/v. In planta experiments demonstrated the complete phytoprotective action of lavender extract against F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici, while a marginal improvement in plant survival was observed during application of T. vulgaris extract. Full article

Due to biodegradability, functionalization, and sustained release, polymer-based films are widely used in different industries. This study explores a bioactive emulsion-based film obtained using high-methoxy pectin (HMP), Origanum onites L. essential oil, and a hydroalcoholic extract of Thymus vulgaris L., prepared using various emulsion recipes. The emulsions obtained were applied to cellulose supports intended for topical applications. Bioactive textiles were analyzed using SEM-EDS elemental mapping, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, biocompatibility assessment, antimicrobial activity assays, and analysis of comfort indices. SEM images of textile supports treated with bioactive emulsions confirmed the creation of a film surface and that the homogeneity of the film increases with increasing amount of glycerin, which acts as a plasticizer. Infrared spectra combined with their second derivatives and PCA indicate the presence of oregano essential oil, thyme extract, and pectin on the surface of the cotton. The biocompatibility evaluation of functionalized cotton supports revealed minimal cytotoxic effects on HaCaT human keratinocytes after 24 h of exposure. The results of the analyses showed that bioactive textile supports also exhibit antimicrobial activity. Therefore, the active emulsions with pectin, oregano essential oil, and hydroalcoholic extract of thyme provide biocompatible and antimicrobial active films by applying on cellulosic supports. Full article

The widespread use of modern insecticide formulations underscores the need for mechanistic evaluation of their potential renal toxicity. This study investigated the nephrotoxic effects of Ampligo^® 150 ZC, a binary formulation of lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorantraniliprole, in female rabbits under subacute exposure conditions, with particular emphasis on apoptosis-related and epithelial integrity biomarkers, and evaluated the protective effects of thyme essential oil (TEO) and vitamin C. Rabbits were allocated into four groups: control, AP, AP + TEO, and AP + TEO + vitamin C. Ampligo (AP) exposure resulted in significant renal dysfunction, as evidenced by elevated biochemical biomarkers and marked histopathological lesions. At the molecular level, AP induced p53 upregulation alongside Bcl-2 and Cyclin D1 downregulation, suggesting apoptosis induction and cell cycle dysregulation. Moreover, reduced E-cadherin and β-catenin expressions indicated disruption of epithelial junction integrity and impaired renal structural homeostasis. Notably, co-administration of TEO and vitamin C markedly attenuated these alterations, improving biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical parameters. Overall, these findings suggest that AP-driven nephrotoxicity may involve apoptotic and epithelial pathways under subacute exposure conditions, whereas antioxidant co-treatment may mitigate kidney injury, supporting the potential of natural antioxidants as adjuncts against pesticide-induced renal injury. Full article