Search Results (482)

Background/Objectives: Goupi plaster (GP) is a traditional black plaster composed of a biphasic fibrous–oil matrix containing multiple bioactive compounds, and it has been widely used for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Representative active compounds include sinomenine, osthole, cinnamaldehyde, and imperatorin, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, due to its heterogeneous matrix structure and multi-component nature, the pharmaceutical delivery behavior of GP remains difficult to evaluate using conventional methods. Therefore, this study aimed to establish an integrated structure–release–permeation–pharmacokinetic evaluation framework to systematically characterize the transdermal delivery behavior of GP. Methods: GP was evaluated using multi-level analysis, including microstructural imaging (FESEM), in vitro release, ex vivo skin permeation, and in vivo dual-site microdialysis. Four representative bioactive compounds (sinomenine, osthole, cinnamaldehyde, and imperatorin) were selected as marker compounds. Release data were fitted to kinetic models, and structure–release relationships were examined using the Higuchi release constant (k_h). Skin-barrier alterations were assessed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Local concentrations in subcutaneous (SC) and intra-articular (IA) compartments were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) to explore potential in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC). Results: FESEM revealed a fibrous–oil network structure. GP exhibited sustained, diffusion-dominated release, with k_h = 0.9908–0.9977 and Korsmeyer–Peppas (K–P) release exponents (n) = 0.61–0.66, differing from active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) controls. Fiber area fraction and fiber length density showed negative correlations with k_h (r = −0.91 to −0.99); ex vivo permeation profiles varied among compounds, and ATR–FTIR and DSC analyses showed moderate changes in skin-barrier properties. Dual-site microdialysis demonstrated sustained local exposure, and a positive relationship was observed between in vitro release and in vivo concentrations. Conclusions: This study establishes an integrated structure–release–permeation–pharmacokinetic evaluation framework for traditional black plaster systems. The observed IVIVC is descriptive rather than predictive, reflecting a trend-level association under the current experimental conditions. These findings highlight the importance of integrating in vitro release, skin permeation, and local pharmacokinetics for understanding drug delivery behavior in complex transdermal matrix systems, and provide a methodological basis for quality consistency evaluation of traditional black plaster formulations. Full article

Plant volatiles are critical mediators of insect–plant interactions, guiding natural enemies to specific habitats and prey. The flower bug, Orius maxidentex Ghauri (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), is a generalist predator that exhibits a specialized ecological association with the weed Celosia argentea L. (Caryophyllales: Amaranthaceae), utilizing the plant as a primary floral niche in Hainan Island. In this study, the attractiveness of C. argentea floral volatiles to O. maxidentex was confirmed using a Y-tube olfactometer. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to identify six compounds in the floral volatiles: 1,3-diethenylbenzene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, β-bisabolene, methyl salicylate, 3-ethylbenzaldehyde, and nonanal. Electroantennogram (EAG) assays revealed that O. maxidentex antennae showed significant physiological responses to these compounds, and the EAG relative values were positively correlated with concentration gradients. Furthermore, O. maxidentex exhibited significant orientation responses to 1,3-diethenylbenzene, trans-cinnamaldehyde, β-bisabolene, and methyl salicylate, whereas no behavioral response was observed for 3-ethylbenzaldehyde or nonanal. Further tests revealed that β-bisabolene elicited the highest attractiveness, comparable to a synthetic blend formulated to mimic the natural release ratio of the active semiochemicals. These findings reveal the hidden chemical cues mediating the interaction between a predator and its preferred habitat. Understanding this mechanism not only helps explain insect adaptation but also offers new strategies for using these plant volatiles to influence the behavior of this specific predator, potentially enhancing its targeted recruitment in agroecosystems. Full article

Despite the growing interest in orally disintegrating films (ODFs), developing soy protein isolate (SPI)-based ODFs with both rapid disintegration and high functional stability remains a challenge. This study developed a novel SPI-based ODF incorporated with a cinnamaldehyde/β-cyclodextrin (CA/β-CD) inclusion complex at varying concentrations (5–20%, w/w) to address this gap. The control ODF exhibited poor structural order, a slow disintegration rate, and weak antioxidant activity. The incorporation of an appropriate amount of CA/β-CD inclusion complex (10–15%) significantly improved the comprehensive properties of the ODFs. The inclusion complex facilitated the formation of an orderly, continuous network structure, leading to a substantial enhancement in tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EAB), disintegration rate, thermal stability, and sustained antioxidant activity. An excessive inclusion complex concentration (20%) induced agglomeration, compromising the structural integrity and functionality of the ODF. FTIR and secondary structure analyses revealed that the enhanced hydrogen bonding between the CA/β-CD inclusion complex and the SPI matrix promoted the transformation of disordered protein structures into ordered conformations (β-sheets and α-helices). This structural ordering is the core mechanism driving the improved macroscopic physicochemical and functional properties of the ODFs. This study confirms that CA/β-CD inclusion complexes can enhance the performance of SPI-based ODFs and provide a highly promising delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive substances. Full article

Background: Respiratory tract infections remain among the most common indications for antibiotic therapy and represent a major driver of antimicrobial resistance. The ability of respiratory pathogens to form biofilms further contributes to treatment failure and recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the antibiotic adjuvant potential of selected essential oil components against clinically relevant respiratory bacteria and to determine whether planktonic synergistic interactions translate into early-stage antibiofilm efficacy. Thymol, eugenol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, and terpinen-4-ol were tested against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by broth microdilution. Synergistic interactions with clinically relevant antibiotics were assessed using the checkerboard method and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) analysis. Selected combinations were further evaluated in a 6 h crystal violet-based early-stage biofilm model. Gram-positive strains generally exhibited higher susceptibility to the tested components than Gram-negative bacteria. Results: Synergistic interactions (FICI ≤ 0.5) were most frequently observed between β-lactam antibiotics and phenolic components, particularly thymol and trans-cinnamaldehyde. Strong synergy was detected for vancomycin-eugenol against MRSA and for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid–cinnamaldehyde against M. catarrhalis. Importantly, synergistic combinations translated into significantly enhanced inhibition of early biofilm formation, increasing inhibition rates by 15–40% compared to antibiotic monotherapy (p < 0.05). Selected essential oil components enhanced the antibacterial activity of clinically relevant antibiotics and effectively potentiated early-stage biofilm inhibition. Conclusions: These findings support further investigation of phytochemical-antibiotic combinations as potential adjunct strategies in respiratory infection management. Full article

Cinnamomum zeylanicum (C. zeylanicum) is rich in bioactives, such as cinnamaldehyde and phenols, which are susceptible to thermal degradation, volatilisation, and oxidative deterioration during processing and storage, thereby reducing chemical stability and limiting bioavailability. Encapsulation using lecithin and chitosan-based systems mitigates these instabilities by forming a protective barrier against oxygen, light, and heat while enhancing structural stability. In this study, freeze-dried extracts of C. zeylanicum were encapsulated into lecithin-based primary liposomes (PL) and chitosan-coated secondary liposomes (CH/L). The coating of liposomes with chitosan improves the liposome stability, mucoadhesion, and provides protection in the gastric pH while facilitating electrostatic bonding with the biological membrane. The high compatibility and low toxicity of chitosan also make it a suitable carrier in food and nutraceutical applications. The formed liposomes were characterised for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE), and storage stability over 8 weeks. CH/L showed superior EE (89.027%) compared to the PL (84.154%; p < 0.05). The particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of the cinnamon-loaded lecithin-based primary liposome (CZ-PL) upon formation were 161.93 nm, 0.13, and −37.597 mV. In comparison, those of the cinnamon-loaded chitosan-coated liposomes (CZ-CH/L) were 591.7 nm, 0.27, and +28.17 mV. The particle size of CZ-PL and CZ-CH/L was 175.90 and 588.60 nm after 8 weeks of storage. The TEM confirmed the spherical morphology of the liposomes. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis demonstrated the disappearance of the characteristic cinnamon melting peak and shifts in liposomal transition temperatures, confirming successful encapsulation. FTIR analysis showed reduction or disappearance of characteristic cinnamon fingerprint peaks and slight band shifts, indicating successful encapsulation and non-covalent interactions, including hydrogen bonding and electrostatic effects, within the liposomal systems. These findings imply that lecithin-based and chitosan-coated liposomes could be employed to successfully carry C. zeylanicum bioactives. Full article

Background/Objectives: The WHO has identified carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) and carbapenem-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) as the “critical priority” group of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms for which new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Here, we evaluated the in vitro synergistic activity of eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol in combination with β-lactams, gentamicin, or colistin against MDR Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). Methods: We selected seven MDR-GNB clinical isolates including CRAb, ESBL-producing and CPE clinical isolates displaying different antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. The genomes of clinical isolates were characterized by whole-genome sequencing and synergy testing was performed with checkerboard assay. Results: Our results demonstrate that eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol in combination with colistin exhibited synergistic activity (FICI < 0.5) against MDR-GNB clinical isolates ranging from 37.5 to 50%, while the effect was almost indifferent in combination with different β-lactam molecules or gentamicin against 87.5–100% of MDR-GNB strains. The synergistic interaction of eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol with colistin induced a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the MIC values compared with the molecules tested alone. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that this synergistic interaction was not affected by different antimicrobial resistance genes and/or different antimicrobial susceptibility profiles. In conclusion, our results suggest that eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, and carvacrol in combination with colistin represent a potential strategy for the treatment of MDR-GNB pathogens and limit their diffusion. Full article

The bio-colonization of building materials by green algae is a widespread problem. To prevent this, it is advisable to use natural substances to avoid environmental damage. This study examined the effectiveness of four essential oils (cinnamon, thyme, oregano and hop) and four oil-based substances (trans-cinnamaldehyde, thymol, carvacrol and β-caryophyllene) in preventing bio-colonization. The effectiveness of these chemicals against three algal species (Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella mirabilis and Stichococcus sp.) and a mixture of these species was tested. The tests were carried out under laboratory conditions over a period of 14 days. The concentrations tested were in the range of 3–200 mg/L. Growth densities were assessed spectrometrically as absorbencies at a wavelength of 750 nm. Caryophyllene, thymol, oregano oil, and hop oil did not negatively affect the growth of algal biomass. The algicidal effect increased in the following order for the other chemicals: cinnamon oil and trans-cinnamon aldehyde < thyme oil and carvacrol. Their biocidal effect was influenced by their structure, particularly their molecular weight and solubility in fat (log K_ow). H. pluvialis was a less sensitive species than the smaller S. sp and Ch. mirabilis. The artificial biofilm was sensitive to thyme oil and carvacrol, similarly to natural biofilms, as was demonstrated in previously published studies. Full article

Conventional therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are limited by poor selectivity, insufficient modulation of the oxidative inflammatory microenvironment, and systemic side effects. Oxidative stress and macrophage-driven immune dysregulation represent critical therapeutic targets. Cinnamaldehyde (CA) and arginine (Arg) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-osteoclastogenic activities, but their poor solubility, instability, and lack of targeting restrict clinical application. Here, we report a pH-responsive cinnamaldehyde–arginine nanoprodrug (Arg-CA NPs), synthesized via Schiff base reaction, that spontaneously self-assembles into uniform nanoparticles capable of acid-triggered dual-drug release. Arg-CA NPs enhanced the solubility and stability of CA, exhibited excellent dispersibility and circulatory stability, and demonstrated intrinsic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Mechanistically, Arg-CA NPs attenuated intracellular ROS accumulation, preserved mitochondrial function, and reprogrammed macrophages toward an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype by suppressing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling. In an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model, Arg-CA NPs selectively accumulated in inflamed joints and significantly alleviated joint swelling, synovial inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone destruction. These findings identify Arg-CA NPs as a promising redox-active nanoplatform for RA therapy by targeting oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. Full article

Chrome tanning of fish skins generates hazardous effluents and carcinogenic Cr(VI) residues; chromium-free routes to valorize collagen-rich by-products from aquaculture and coastal fisheries are therefore needed. We report a 12-stage ecological protocol employing acetic acid/NaCl pickling, Acacia mearnsii tannin, A. podalyriifolia retanning, mashed-papaya enzymatic bating, and cinnamon as antimicrobial/odor adjunct, scaled from bench to pilot using exclusively locally sourced inputs, for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Patagonian flounder (Paralichthys patagonicus). Three trained operators evaluated macroscopic quality against five predefined criteria adapted from SATRA and ISO 3376 grading conventions, providing a structured feasibility baseline that does not substitute for the standardized instrumental testing designated as priority future work. Both species achieved satisfactory grain stability, complete tannin penetration, pliable handle, and cinnamon-dominant odor without residual amines; dark-brown coloration is a recognized practical limitation for fashion applications. In silico molecular docking (GNINA v1.0) was used to explore the mechanistic plausibility of each ecological substitution, generating testable hypotheses rather than definitive mechanistic conclusions: the multidentate polyphenol proxy (PGG) exhibited consistently superior collagen engagement over the flavanol monomer across both collagen constructs and all three scoring metrics (1CAG: Vina affinity −5.51 ± 0.13 vs. −3.54 ± 0.35 kcal/mol; CNNscore 0.874 ± 0.009 vs. 0.771 ± 0.010; 7CWK: Vina affinity −6.98 ± 1.43 vs. −4.37 ± 0.16 kcal/mol; CNNscore 0.858 ± 0.024 vs. 0.635 ± 0.094). Dipeptide probes were reproducibly accommodated in the papain catalytic cleft, with the closest configuration reaching 3.997 Å from the catalytic nucleophile (OCS25-SG). Trans-cinnamaldehyde occupied the quorum-sensing pocket with reproducible placement (CNNscore 0.718 ± 0.034) but without score-based selectivity over structural decoys, a result interpreted as hypothesis-generating for future microbiological validation. The protocol is reproducible from bench to pilot and generalizable across two species with distinct dermal architectures. Quantitative physical-mechanical testing (shrinkage temperature, tensile strength, elongation, tear load), CIELab colorimetric analysis, and effluent characterization (COD, BOD₅, total phenolics) are designated as priorities for future validation. Full article

According to our investigation carried out in July 2023, the wood of the Western Han Dynasty Dingtao M2 Tomb, stored in the preservation room, exhibited signs of microbial degradation. Our metagenomic analysis first revealed Penicillium as the dominant genus on the end of the wrapped wood. Furthermore, functional annotations demonstrated that the resident microbial community possessed cellulolytic and ligninolytic capabilities. Targeted metabolomic analysis evaluated the degradation capacity of Penicillium charlesii DTP_1, a strain isolated from the wrapped wood. We hypothesize that DTP_1 provides an acidic microenvironment via the production of organic acids; the functional microbial community then decomposes lignin into small metabolites via enzymatic action, and these products are then utilized by the microbial community, including DTP_1. Finally, we verified that liquid cinnamaldehyde and volatile gaseous allicin and carvacrol exhibit better inhibitory efficacy. Nevertheless, further optimization of plant-derived agents and application methods are still required. This study proposes a putative mechanism underlying the degradation of the Dingtao M2 Tomb wood by the microbial community, thereby providing theoretical support for the conservation of wooden cultural heritage and relics. Full article

Background: Dental caries, primarily caused by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), is a prevalent condition with significant global impact. Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), a phytochemical derived from the cinnamon plant, has shown promising antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against S. mutans. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-cariogenic effects of TC on S. mutans using an innovative mouse jaw explant model. Methods: TC was diluted in an organic solvent across various concentrations. Initially, cytotoxicity assays were performed at all tested TC concentrations. Sub-minimum bactericidal concentrations were then used to examine the distribution and morphology of S. mutans biofilms. Hemi-mandibles were dissected from euthanized, healthy, seven-week-old female mice to study the impact of TC on the cariogenic activity of S. mutans using stereoscopic analysis. Finally, pH changes during exposure to cariogenic conditions and post-treatment bacterial viability were measured. Results: In vitro data demonstrate that TC doses of ≤625 µg/mL were non-cytotoxic. Treatment groups exposed to TC exhibited altered bacterial morphology, including abnormal and incomplete cell division. In the mouse jaw explant model, TC doses of ≥625 µg/mL showed anti-cariogenic effects, evidenced by the absence of visible carious lesions. Additionally, pH changes and post-treatment viable bacterial counts corresponded with the observed anti-cariogenic activity. TC doses ≤625 µg/mL led to a pH drop over time and the presence of bacterial colonies. Conclusions: TC exhibits significant anti-cariogenic activity against S. mutans in the mouse model. Our findings suggest that 625 µg/mL is the lowest non-toxic concentration of TC that effectively inhibits cariogenic activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Microbial infections represent a major challenge in the food processing chain. Postharvest fungal control has historically relied on chemical control; however, their use is increasingly restricted due to environmental and health risks. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal potential of essential oils obtained from high-yield plant species and characterize the potential mechanisms of action of their major volatiles, with the goal of proposing a prospective formulation for the control of postharvest fungi. Methods: Cinnamon, rosemary, allspice, and Peruvian pepper essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation, tested against Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum sp., and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Finally, in silico bioactivity analyses were performed on the most abundant volatiles. Results: Cinnamon and rosemary produced the most effective oils against both fungal species. Cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, eugenol, methyleugenol, (+)-2-bornanone, eucalyptol, α-phellandrene, and β-myrcene were some of the most abundant volatiles in the analyzed oils. In silico analyses predicted 56 antifungal mechanisms, including inhibition of cell membrane and wall synthesis, affectation of primary metabolism, inhibition of molecular processes, redox homeostasis, and protein degradation and cutinase inhibition. The last one is a specific mechanism mediating in vivo plant-fungal interactions found exclusively in β-terpinene and β-ocimene. Conclusions: Compounds with cutinase inhibition activity such as β-terpinene and β-ocimene are of great potential to complement the activity of other bioactive compounds. According to literature and in silico analyses the mixture of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, β-terpinene and β-ocimene could be a potential formulation for the management of postharvest fungi. Full article

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a central regulator of energy homeostasis, and its dysregulation is implicated in HF pathophysiology. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been investigated in HF management, but a systematic synthesis of preclinical evidence on TCM-mediated AMPK modulation is lacking. Methods: PubMed and Web of Science were searched from January 2020 to December 2025 using a comprehensive strategy combining terms for AMPK, HF, and TCM. Studies were included if they were original research investigating TCM-derived compounds or formulas in HF models and reporting AMPK modulation. Study quality and evidence levels were assessed using predefined criteria. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: Of 243 records identified, 56 studies met the inclusion criteria (7 from database search and 49 from manual screening). Direct evidence for AMPK-dependent cardioprotection was limited. Cinnamaldehyde and paeoniflorin showed the most rigorous validation with confirmed target engagement and loss-of-function rescue. Berberine, crocin, ginsenoside Rb1, and honokiol demonstrated pathway-specific effects validated by pharmacological or genetic approaches. Most complex herbal formulas provided correlative evidence only, with Fuyu Decoction being a notable exception where AMPK agonist EX229 confirmed pathway involvement. Conclusions: Current evidence for TCM-mediated AMPK modulation in HF remains predominantly preliminary and correlative. Future research should prioritize causality validation using genetic models and human-relevant systems. Full article

The food packaging industry requires sustainable solutions to reduce plastic waste and replace synthetic additives. This study addresses the need for scalable methods to transform conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging into active food preservation systems using natural biocides. Commercial PET packaging was surface-activated using industrial-scale corona treatment, followed by coating with natural biocides—carvacrol (CV) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (tCN). The resulting active packaging materials (PET-CV and PET-tCN) were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, AFM, and desorption kinetics. Packaging properties including mechanical strength, oxygen barrier, antioxidant (DPPH), and antibacterial activity (against S. aureus and E. coli) were evaluated. Real-food preservation tests were conducted using fresh minced pork (4 °C, 6 days) and table olives (23 °C, 21 days), monitoring microbiological (TVC), colorimetric (CIE L*a*b*), and pH changes. Corona treatment successfully anchored both biocides through physical adsorption, with tCN exhibiting stronger surface interaction (desorption energy: 128.0 kJ/mol). Both coatings significantly improved oxygen barrier properties (61% reduction for PET-CV, 80% for PET-tCN). PET-tCN demonstrated superior antibacterial activity (inhibition zones: 15.0 mm against E. coli). In pork preservation, PET-tCN achieved a 2-log reduction in TVC, maintained meat redness (a*: 12.80 vs. 5.10 for control), and stabilized pH. For olives, PET-tCN reduced TVC by 2.35 log cycles and preserved green color. This corona-assisted coating approach, demonstrated here at laboratory scale, successfully transforms inert PET into multi-functional active packaging with potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and barrier properties, significantly extending food shelf-life and offering a sustainable solution for reducing food waste. Full article

Cinnamoyl-CoA reductase (CCR) is the first rate-limiting enzyme in the lignin biosynthetic pathway in higher plants. It catalyzes the conversion of cinnamoyl-CoA into the corresponding cinnamaldehydes. Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is a perennial woody species. Systematic identification and functional characterization of the CCR gene family in tea plants is still limited. In this study, 202 CCR genes were identified from six tea plant cultivars, and a significant expansion of the CCR gene family was observed during the domestication process from wild to cultivated tea plants. A total of 50 CsCCR genes were identified in the tea cultivar ‘Shuchazao’, and they were distributed across 13 chromosomes. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that the key catalytic motifs NWYCYGK and H-X-X-K were fully conserved in CsCCR1, CsCCR2, and CsCCR3. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CsCCR1/2/3 clustered with AtCCR1/2 and PtrCCR2, which were known to be involved in lignin biosynthesis. Transcriptome data analysis showed that CsCCR3 exhibited significantly higher transcript abundance in stems than in young, mature, and old leaves. CsCCRL9, CsCCRL33, CsCCRL34, and CsCCRL36 also showed relatively high expression levels in stem. RT-qPCR further confirmed the high expression of CsCCR3 and CsCCRL33 in stems. Furthermore, comparison of CCR members derived from tandem and segmental duplication in the tea cultivar ‘Shuchazao’ showed clear differences in Ka/Ks ratios, expression correlations, and the distribution of stress-responsive cis-acting elements. This study provides new insights into the expansion and duplication-related functional divergence of the CCR gene family in tea plant and identifies key candidate genes potentially involved in lignin biosynthesis and stress responses. Full article