Search Results (233)

This study aimed to determine the optimal drying, grinding, and extraction conditions for red sweet pepper, garlic, parsley, and celery to obtain concentrated extracts rich in bioactive compounds. Drying was performed using infrared ovens (FD-48 and Basic Station 3) at 30, 45, and 55 °C. The optimal temperature was 45 °C, ensuring effective moisture removal while preserving functional components. Grinding efficiency was compared between an IKA A 11 Basic analytical mill and a Pulverisette 0 vibratory micromill; the analytical mill demonstrated superior performance and processing speed. Soxhlet extraction with 96% ethanol enabled the preservation of flavor, aroma, and functional properties of the extracts. The influence of the herbal extract mixture on the organoleptic, physicochemical, and microbiological characteristics of culinary products was evaluated. For sauces, the optimal extract concentration was 5%, providing balanced taste, pleasant aroma, stable consistency, and intense color. Physicochemical analysis showed increases in protein (3.24–3.68%), ash (2.52–2.68%), dry matter (25.27–26.94%), and pH (4.11–4.24). Microbiological indicators (TAMC—3.0 × 10² CFU/g; molds—21 CFU/g; yeasts—9 CFU/g) complied with regulatory standards. For meat products (meatballs and pies), the optimal extract composition (garlic 30%, red pepper 25%, parsley 25%, celery 20%) was applied at 0.3–0.7% of meat mass. Sensory evaluation identified 0.5% as optimal. The developed technology enables the production of functional food additives rich in protein, antioxidants, and flavonoids and is suitable for industrial implementation. Full article

The genus Oncosiphon (Asteraceae), consisting of aromatic herbs, is indigenous to southern Africa. Oncosiphon species have been documented in Khoi-San ethnobotany as herbal remedies for typhoid fever, pneumonia, and as diuretics. Research on the biological properties and comprehensive phytochemical profiling of these important Oncosiphon species is currently limited. This study was therefore undertaken to address the knowledge void in chemical profiling, through the application of various analytical techniques to analyse the volatile and non-volatile constituents of three South African Oncosiphon species. The aerial parts of Oncosiphon suffruticosus (n = 28), O. grandiflorus (n = 16), and O. africanus (n = 4) were collected from various locations in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. The stems and leaves (SL) were separated from the flowers (F) and analysed as distinct samples. The methanol: chloroform (1:1, v/v) extracts were prepared and analysed using ultra–high–performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight time–of–flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC–QToF–MS) and a semi–automated high–performance thin–layer chromatography (HPTLC) system. Multivariate data analysis was performed on the UHPLC–QToF–MS data to determine interspecies chemical variation. Two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography (GCxGC–ToF–MS) was used to determine the headspace volatile profiles of the intact aerial parts. The results show that the non-volatile profiles of the Oncosiphon species are characterised by amino acids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and fatty acid derivatives. The HPTLC profiles of O. grandiflorus and O. africanus are chemically more closely related, and O. suffruticosus has a distinct profile, which is supported by the chemometrics results of the flowers. The major headspace volatile compounds in Oncosiphon flowers are α-pinene, α-ocimene, eucalyptol, o-cymene, and artemisia alcohol, whereas the stems and leaves mainly consist of α-ocimene, eucalyptol, and yomogi alcohol. Full article

Water scarcity and rising fertilizer costs challenge the sustainable cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants in arid regions. This study evaluated the interactive effects of irrigation intervals (21, 28, and 35 days) and potassium sources (potassium sulfate and feldspar) and rates on growth, yield, essential oil productivity, and nutrient status of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) over two consecutive seasons in Middle Egypt. Extending irrigation intervals significantly increased soil electrical conductivity while reducing soil-available potassium, whereas soil pH, organic matter, and bulk density remained unaffected. Frequent irrigation (21 days) markedly enhanced vegetative growth, yield components, seed yield, and essential oil yield, producing up to 69.7 L ha⁻¹ oil compared with 50.5–52.0 L ha⁻¹ under 35-day intervals. Potassium fertilization significantly improved plant performance across all irrigation regimes, with potassium sulfate at 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ consistently producing the highest plant height (≈173 cm), number of umbels (≈45 plant⁻¹), 1000-seed weight (≈13 g), seed yield, and oil yield. Potassium sulfate at 120 kg K₂O ha⁻¹ consistently outperformed feldspar, though high-rate feldspar (572 kg K₂O ha⁻¹) significantly improved performance over the control, indicating potential as a supplementary source. Extending irrigation to 28 days reduced water application by approximately 23% compared to 21-day intervals, with acceptable yield levels when combined with adequate potassium supply. Potassium application enhanced seed and herb N, P, and K concentrations and mitigated the adverse effects of prolonged irrigation intervals, particularly under moderate water stress (28 days). Significant irrigation × potassium interactions confirm that optimal potassium nutrition improved water-use efficiency and reproductive performance. Overall, integrating frequent or moderately extended irrigation with an adequate potassium supply—especially soluble potassium sulfate—offers an effective strategy to sustain fennel productivity and essential oil yield under water-limited conditions. Full article

Greece lies within the Mediterranean global biodiversity hotspot and harbors exceptional plant richness and endemism, including numerous medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). These taxa underpin long ethnobotanical traditions and contemporary bioeconomy niches (culinary herbs, essential oils, phototherapeutics). The aim of this review is to map (i) the biodiversity knowledge base for Greek MAPs, (ii) recent ethnobotanical evidence, and (iii) sustainability pathways (conservation, cultivation, value chains, and regulation) in a Mediterranean context. The information is presented and analyzed in a critical manner. A total of 148 research studies were systematically reviewed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Key findings highlight that (i) Greece is a regional plant-diversity hotspot with many MAP endemics in Lamiaceae; (ii) contemporary ethnobotanical knowledge persists and adapts; and (iii) strong sustainability levers exist through Natura 2000 coverage, Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) frameworks, and Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognitions (e.g., Krokos Kozanis saffron, Chios mastic), although threats from climate and land-use change remain significant. In conclusion, Greek MAPs combine high biodiversity value, living ethnobotanical traditions, and tangible bioeconomic opportunities. Their sustainable prospects depend on integrating habitat protection, GACP and FairWild Standard (FairWild)-aligned wild collection and cultivation, domestication of priority endemics, and climate-resilience planning, all supported by traceable value chains and Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS)/Nagoya Protocol compliance. The review concludes with practical recommendations and a prioritized list of flagship taxa for “conservation through use.” 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

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a perennial herb traditionally valued for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. In recent years, however, growing attention has shifted toward the technical and environmental potential of the plant’s industrial by-products, particularly the fibrous material left after extraction. This review integrates botanical knowledge with engineering and industrial perspectives, highlighting the role of licorice fiber in advancing sustainable innovation. The natural fiber obtained from licorice roots exhibits notable physical and mechanical qualities, including lightness, biodegradability, and compatibility with bio-based polymer matrices. These attributes make it a promising candidate for biocomposites used in green building and other sectors of the circular economy. Developing efficient recovery processes requires collaboration across disciplines, combining expertise in plant science, materials engineering, and industrial technology. The article also examines the economic and regulatory context driving the transition toward more circular and traceable production models. Increasing interest from companies, research institutions, and public bodies in valorizing licorice fiber and its derivatives is opening new market opportunities. Potential applications extend to agroindustry, eco-friendly cosmetics, bioeconomy, and sustainable construction. By linking botanical insights with innovative waste management strategies, licorice emerges as a resource capable of supporting integrated, competitive, and environmentally responsible industrial practices. Full article

Sweet bags were small, embroidered textile pouches used in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to carry fragrant substances, money, books, sewing tools, mirrors, or other personal items. They were often exchanged as gifts, used to preserve clothing in wardrobes, or used to protect against contaminated air. Beyond their material function, both their name and some of their uses suggest an olfactory dimension, as they were typically filled with aromatic herbs—combinations frequently recorded in recipe books, medical, and household manuals, including Countrey Contentments, or The English Husvvife, Praxis Medicinæ, or The Physitian’s Practise, and Exenterata, among others. Through close reading and literary analysis of such primary sources combined with a sensory approach, this article traces the possible ingredients of these pouches in Early Modern recipes and argues that their olfactory content positions them as objects of the “olfactory gaze” (Verbeek), thereby transforming them into elements of olfactory heritage. Ultimately, the article seeks to recreate the olfactory component of sweet bags within recipe-related practices, and broader domestic traditions of Early Modern England. Full article

Wine is the world’s leading alcoholic beverage, with Greece having a centuries-old history of winemaking processes. A common practice among winemakers is the addition of herbs and plants to wine, which is believed to increase its antioxidant capacity. A well-known example is retsina, produced from resin. This paper is based on the study of Roditis Alepou (Roditis Fox) and Muscat of Patras, two euphemistic grape varieties of Achaia, at different stages of maturity, with the addition of ginger to prepare ginger-enriched wine. Ginger is considered one of the most ancient plants, with its main cultivation countries being India and Malaysia. The present study included physicochemical analyses, involving total and effective acidity of the samples, antioxidant capacity, total phenolics, and pigments in the spectra of 420, 520, and 620 nm. This work aimed to study the wine prepared by these indigenous grape varieties of Achaia with added ginger at different concentrations (0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.2%, w/v) post-fermentation, and to determine if it conforms with the typical physicochemical characteristics of dry white wine. An increase in total and effective acidity of the samples was observed. Some fluctuations in total phenolics and antioxidant capacity were noted. Finally, pigments showed increased values in all three spectra. The organoleptic evaluation yielded encouraging results, leading us to conclude that the product warrants further study, with prospects for producing wine aromatized with ginger or ginger extract. Full article

Essential oil-bearing plants are valued for their aromatic qualities and medicinal value. An example of such a plant is sage (Salvia officinalis L.), one of the most important aromatic herbal plants. Rich in essential oil (EO), sage herb is used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic production and as a spice. This study was conducted to determine the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the morphological characteristics, yield, and EO production of sage under different irrigated conditions: 95 ± 5, 75 ± 5, 50 ± 5, and 25 ± 5% field capacity (FC). Maximum herb dry biomass yield and leaf dry biomass yield were obtained at the 95, 75% FC irrigation level, and the highest leaf EO (1.361%) was at 75% FC. The high yield of herb and leaf dry biomass, as well as the highest EO in herb and leaves, was observed with AMF. A group of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes dominated the EO. The main compounds were 1,8-cineole, α-thujone, β-thujone, camphor, E-caryophyllene, and viridiflorol. The chemical composition of EO has changed under irrigation. Under severe stress (25% FC) and moderate soil moisture (50% FC), the proportion of monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxidized sesquiterpenes was higher than at 75% and 95% FC. The proportion of camphor, α-thujone, and β-thujone was higher with AMF only under severe water stress. With increasing soil moisture, the proportion of α-thujone and β-thujone in EO decreased. A positive correlation was found between EO content and the number of leaves per plant. Our results indicate the prospects for practical application of AMF in combination with the irrigation of sage plants. Full article

The edible medicinal plants Sanguisorba officinalis L. (great burnet), Geum urbanum L. (wood avens), and Agrimonia procera Wallr. (fragrant agrimony) of the Rosaceae family are a several times richer source of tannins, especially ellagitannins, than berries containing 3.0, 2.1, and 3.4 g/100 g phenolics in fresh matter. The herbs are traditionally used as anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory agents for the intestines. As a source of phenolics, mostly ellagitannins, the herbs have a potentially beneficial effect on the lipid profile of the blood by reducing total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. They are also a good source of dietary fiber (6.5 for Sanguisorba, 8.2 for Geum, and 11.1 g/100 g fresh matter for Agrimonia) and vitamin C, all 0.1 g/100 g fresh matter. Due to their resistance to fungal diseases and pathogens, the medicinal plants are free from pesticide residues. Sanguisorba, Geum, and Agrimonia are tasty and aromatic and can be the basis of dishes, salads, or beverages. Full article

Karstic dolines are unique geomorphological and ecological features of limestone landscapes, characterised by strong microclimatic and edaphic gradients. These concave landforms form natural microrefugia that harbour a variety of plant species. In this study, dolines in the northern Dinarides on the Kras Plateau were investigated to assess the horticultural potential of their flora. Vegetation surveys along edge-to-bottom transects revealed a pronounced species turnover and differentiation of functional traits. Shade-tolerant geophytes and early-flowering perennials dominate the bottoms of the dolines, while the edges harbour drought-tolerant aromatic herbs. Not only do dolines serve biodiversity conservation by acting as microrefugia, but they also preserve cultural heritage through ethnobotanical species and provide a species pool for the selection of plants with horticultural potential. We selected horticultural important plants (HPs) and analysed them within the dolines. Depending on their morphology and seasonal occurrence, they can be divided into woody species, early and late spring flowering species, orchids, and structural species. By linking biodiversity conservation with applied horticulture, this study emphasises the multifunctional role of dolines as small natural features of disproportionate ecological and horticultural importance. We suggest that integrating doline species into horticultural utilisation could improve sustainability, diversify plantings, and strengthen climate adaptation strategies. Full article

In this study, four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (4PAHs: benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP)) were quantified in 110 herb and spice products marketed in South Korea. A validated gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method achieved high sensitivity with limits of detection (LOD) ranging from 0.08 to 0.18 µg/kg and limits of quantification (LOQ) ranging from 0.24 to 0.55 µg/kg, with recoveries consistent with the Association of Official Analytical Chemists guidelines. Among the tested items, oregano contained the highest BaP concentrations with 7.13 µg/kg, while overall concentrations of the sum of 4PAHs remained below European Union limits. The BaP-based toxic equivalent (TEQ_BaP) and the toxic equivalent for the sum of 4PAHs (TEQ_Σ4PAHs) were 7.13 and 7.50 µg/kg, respectively, with oregano showing the highest values. Risk assessment using the margin of exposure (MOE) showed all values exceeded 10⁶, indicating negligible health concern. These findings provide a basis for continuous monitoring and regulatory management of PAHs in herbs and spices. Full article

Ocimum, commonly known as basil, is a group of aromatic plants extensively cultivated for their aromatic leaves, flavorful seeds, and essential oils, finding applications in food and herbal medicine. Drought stress is a crucial environmental factor that has a considerable impact on basil growth and the accumulation of bioactive compounds. This study aims to evaluate how drought stress affects biomass production and volatile oil accumulation in selected Ocimum species over two consecutive years in an open-field cultivation setting. Five distinct basil genotypes, O. basilicum L. ‘Ohře,’ O. basilicum L. ‘Genovese,’ O. × africanum Lour., O. americanum L., and O. sanctum L., were evaluated under two levels of water supply, with one group receiving irrigation as a control and the other exposed to non-irrigated conditions to induce drought stress. Consistent negative impacts of drought stress on biomass production were observed in both years. The reduction in fresh herb yield varied from 16.5 g plant⁻¹ (10.3%) for O. sanctum to 118 g plant⁻¹ (41.7%) for O. basilicum ‘Ohre.’ Across the study years, drought stress slightly increased the essential oil content of O. × africanum and O. basilicum ‘Genovese’ by 9.8% and 26%, respectively. The essential oil composition varied considerably among the different Ocimum species and cultivars. Cultivars Ohře and Genovese had linalool as a major component, exceeding 40%. O. americanum was rich in citral compounds—neral and geranial—accounting for 26–37%, which contribute to its strong lemon-like fragrance. The hybrid O. × africanum contained high proportions of 1,8-cineole (32–38%) and limonene (14–16%), while O. sanctum was characterized by its elevated levels of eugenol (36.4–50.3%) and β-caryophyllene (26.4–38.5%). The influence of water availability on essential oil content and composition was inconsistent across species. Similarly, variations were observed in total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) depending on both species and growing year. Notably, the highest TPC (341.4 mg GAE g⁻¹ DM) and AOC (122.9 mg AAE g⁻¹ DM) were recorded for O. sanctum grown under drought stress during the first experimental year. In conclusion, it is recommended to irrigate the studied basil species at least twice a week under open-field conditions to minimize the negative effects of drought stress. Full article

“Lumblija” is a Croatian autochthonous sweet bread which recently obtained a European Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) label. The peculiarity of “Lumblija” is the use of ingredients such as concentrated grape must, rose or herbal brandy, and various herbs and spices, mostly produced and collected in the area of the island of Korčula. To the author’s knowledge, the volatile compounds of “Lumblija” have not been investigated till now. The aim of this study was to characterise the volatile compounds responsible for the distinctive aroma of the traditional sweet bread “Lumblija”, which is widely appreciated for its unique sensory properties. Four samples of “Lumblija” were investigated. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (HS-SPME/GC-MS) was applied for volatile compound characterisation of “Lumblija” samples. A total of 50 volatile compounds were identified in the “Lumblija” samples. Volatile compounds belong to different chemical classes: terpenes, phenylpropanoids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, and carboxylic acids. Among them, terpenes and phenylpropanoids were the most numerous and the most abundant volatile compounds. Most differences in the volatile compound profile of “Lumblija” samples can be attributed to some specific ingredients such as spices. The results of this study could be useful to establish a volatile compound profile of “Lumblija”, which could serve as an indicator of the authenticity and quality of this autochthonous bakery product. Full article

Fish mint (Houttuynia cordata Thunb.) is an aromatic herb used as food and medicine across Asia. We evaluated how far-red (FR) light influences growth and secondary metabolites in the non-flowering cultivar ‘BCV02’ propagated by cuttings. Seedlings were grown for 14 days under FR at 35, 50, and 70 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ (as FR35, 50, and 70, respectively) or without FR (as control, CK). All FR treatments increased plant height but reduced the shoot/rhizome ratio. Total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were unchanged, while the chlorophyll a/b ratio declined from 2.37 (CK) to 2.15 (FR70). In shoots, combined 3-, 4-, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acids with rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin reached 12.61–13.83 mg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) under FR treatments, exceeding CK (8.48 mg g⁻¹ DW). However, in rhizomes, these secondary metabolite contents ranged 0.82–1.00 mg g⁻¹ DW across all treatments. On a per-pot basis, the highest accumulated compounds (4.37 mg per pot) occurred at FR35. Overall, growth and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in fish mint cuttings respond differently to changes in FR treatments, with FR35 optimizing compound accumulation. Quercitrin in shoots was 0.09–0.20 mg g⁻¹ DW and not quantifiable in rhizomes, potentially below pharmacopeial thresholds specified in the Taiwan Herbal Pharmacopeia and Hong Kong Chinese Materia Medica Standards. These results underscore the importance of aligning cultivar choice, light regime, and market specifications to secure both yield and quality of H. cordata. Full article