Search Results (658)

The development of active food packaging has evolved rapidly in recent years, offering innovative solutions to enhance food preservation and safety while addressing sustainability challenges. This review compiles and analyzes recent advancements (2019–2024) in release-type active packaging, focusing on essential oils, natural extracts, and phenolic compounds as active agents. Primarily plant-derived, these compounds exhibit significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, extending shelf life and enhancing food quality. Technological strategies such as encapsulation and polymer blending have been increasingly adopted to overcome challenges related to volatility, solubility, and sensory impact. Integrating bio-based polymers, including chitosan, starch, and polylactic acid, further supports the development of environmentally friendly packaging systems. This review also highlights trends in compound-specific research, release mechanisms, and commercial applications, including a detailed analysis of patents and case studies across various food matrices. These developments have already been translated into practical applications, such as antimicrobial sachets for meat and essential oil-based pads for fresh produce. Moreover, by promoting the valorization of agro-industrial by-products and the use of biodegradable materials, emission-type active packaging contributes to the principles of the circular economy. This comprehensive overview underscores the potential of natural bioactive compounds in advancing sustainable and functional food packaging technologies. Full article

The white oil-bearing rose (R. alba L.) is the second of the industrially important rose species for Bulgarian rose cultivation and essential oil production. In recent years, the interest in white oil-bearing rose has increased, following the worldwide trend for searching for new aromatic alternatives. Therefore, the purpose of the current research is to evaluate the volatile compounds profile of fresh R. alba L. flowers using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). More than 75 individual compounds were identified and quantified using HS-SPME-GC/MS. The study revealed that the aroma-bearing fraction of rose volatiles consists mainly of monoterpene alcohols; 2-phenylethanol was the most abundant component (8.4–33.9%), followed by geraniol (12.8–32.5%) and citronellol + nerol (17.7–26.5%). Linalool, α-pinene, β-myrcene, and rose oxides were also observed in low concentrations. The stearopten fraction in the HS phase was observed in low concentration, with main representatives nonadecane + nonadecene, heptadecane, heneicosane, and tricosane. The HS-GC profile of the R. alba fresh flowers shows distinct differences in relative abundance of the components between the two studied clones of the population, as well as between volatiles in petals and in the whole blossom. The absence of some undesirable components, such as allergenic and potentially carcinogenic methyl eugenol in fresh R. alba blossom, makes white oil-bearing rose a promising alternative to R. damascena in perfumery, natural cosmetics, and aromatherapy. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are important for teas’ quality and act as a critical evaluative criterion in teas. The distinctive aromatic profile of tea not only facilitates tea classification but also has potential applications in aroma-driven product innovation. In this review, we summarized the tea aroma from tea classification, VOCs extraction methodologies, and VOCs detection techniques. Moreover, the potential utilization of tea aroma in the future, such as applications in essential oil refinement, food flavor enhancement, and functional fragrance for personal health care, was proposed. Our review will provide a solid foundation for further investigations in tea aroma and offer significant insights into the development and application of tea fragrance. Full article

Lemon catnip (Nepeta cataria var. citriodora) is an underutilized aromatic and medicinal plant known for its high essential oil yield and distinctive lemon-like scent, and is widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and biopesticide industries. Unlike typical catnip, it lacks nepetalactones and is rich in terpene alcohols, such as nerol and geraniol, making it a promising substitute for lemon balm. Despite its diverse applications, little attention has been paid to the valorization of byproducts from essential oil distillation, such as hydrolates and their secondary recovery oils. This study aimed to thoroughly analyze the volatile compound profiles of the essential oil from Lemon catnip and the recovery oil derived from its hydrolate over three consecutive growing seasons, with particular emphasis on how temperature and precipitation influence the major volatile constituents. The essential oil was obtained via semi-industrial steam distillation, producing hydrolate as a byproduct, which was then further processed using a Likens–Nickerson apparatus to extract the recovery oil, also known as secondary oil. Both essential and recovery oils were predominantly composed of terpene alcohols, with nerol (47.5–52.3% in essential oils; 43.5–54.3% in recovery oils) and geraniol (25.2–27.9% in essential oils; 29.4–32.6% in recovery oils) as the primary components. While sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were mostly confined to the essential oil, the recovery oil was distinguished by a higher presence of monooxygenated and more hydrophilic terpenes. Over the three-year period, elevated temperatures led to increased levels of geraniol, geranial, neral, and citronellal in both oils, whereas cooler conditions favored the accumulation of nerol and linalool, especially in the recovery oils. Higher precipitation was associated with elevated concentrations of nerol and linalool but decreased levels of geraniol, geranial, and neral, possibly due to dilution or degradation processes. Full article

Improving the quality of compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants is crucial due to their uses in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food sectors. One way of influencing plant composition is through exposure to different light conditions. Therefore, a two-year field study (2023–2024) was conducted to investigate the impact of coloured shading nets on the physiology, essential oil (EO) content, and composition of three Mentha genotypes: Mentha × piperita ‘Multimentha’, Mentha × piperita ‘Fränkische Blaue’, and Mentha rotundifolia ‘Apfelminze’. In addition to an unshaded control, the Mentha plants were grown under red and blue shading nets. Plant height and vegetation indices were collected weekly. Biomass accumulation, EO content, and composition were determined for each harvest. Both red and blue shading were found to influence the physiological responses and EO compositions of the plants, with red shading promoting slightly higher p-menthone levels in ‘Fränkische Blaue’ and ‘Multimentha’, while blue shading slightly increased carvone levels in ‘Apfelminze’. While EO content varied across harvest seasons (spring, summer, and autumn), ‘Fränkische Blaue’ responded to red shading, demonstrating an increased EO content. The findings suggest that targeted use of coloured shading nets can modulate EO quality. However, genotype-specific responses highlight the necessity of further research to define shading applications for different species and genotypes. Full article

To date, various species of Erigeron genus have been used both in the ethnopharmacology of numerous nations across the world and in contemporary herbal practices. The objective of this study is to revise the phytochemical data on the essential oils (EOs) of various fleabanes species and to evaluate the variability of their biological activities. Up to June 2025, this review provides an updated overview of 105 literature sources (published during last 25 years) related to 14 Erigeron sp. (native, naturalized, or invasive) which have been investigated extensively and are of the greatest significance. It summarizes the compositional variability of the EOs and their pharmacological and toxic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiproliferative, skin regeneration, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, larvicidal, repellent, and allelopathic activity. The EOs of each Erigeron species were characterized, and a chemical structure of 43 major constituents is presented herein. The most characteristic and prevalent compounds were found to be limonene, δ-3-carene, matricaria ester, lachnophyllum ester, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, β-farnesene, α-bergamotene, allo-aromadendrene, etc., in the EOs from the E. acris, E. annuus, E. bonariensis, E. canadensis, E. floribundus E. mucronatus, and E. speciosus plants. Major constituents, such as borneol, bornyl acetate, modhephen-8-β-ol, cis-arteannuic alcohol, β-caryophyllene, and τ-cadinol, were found in the oils of E. graveolens (Inula graveolens). A paucity of data concerning E. incanus EOs was revealed, with the prevalence of 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy cinammic acid and thymol acetate noted in the oils. The EOs from E. multiradiatus and E. sublyratus were comprised mainly of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters. The available data on EOs of E. ramosus is limited, but the main constituents are known to be α-humulene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and globulol. The EOs containing appreciable amounts of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters exhibited strong anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, larvicidal, and repellent activities. Repellence is also related to borneol, bornyl acetate, caryophyllene derivatives, τ-cadinol, modhephen-8-β-ol, and cis-arteannuic alcohol. Cytotoxicity was determined due to the presence of limonene, δ-3-carene, α- and β-farnesene, (E)-β-ocimene, ledene oxide, sesquiphellandrene, and dendrolasin in the fleabanes EOs. Skin regeneration and antifungal properties were related to germacrene D; and anti-inflammatory effects were determined due to high amounts of limonene (E)-β-ocimene, lachnophyllum ester, and germacrene D. The antimicrobial properties of the oils were conditioned by appreciable quantities of limonene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, thymol acetae, β-eudesmol, 2,6,7,7α-tetrahydro-1,5-dimethyl-1H-indene-3-carboxaldehyde, caryophyllene and its oxide, allo-aromadendrene, α-humulene, farnesene, carvacrol, and eugenol. This review provides a foundation for further studies on volatile secondary metabolites to explore the potential sources of new biologically active compounds in Erigeron sp. Full article

Spice by-products, often discarded as waste, represent an untapped resource for sustainable packaging solutions due to their unique, multifunctional, and bioactive profiles. Unlike typical plant residues, these materials retain diverse phytochemicals—including phenolics, polysaccharides, and other compounds, such as essential oils and vitamins—that exhibit controlled release antimicrobial and antioxidant effects with environmental responsiveness to pH, humidity, and temperature changes. Their distinctive advantage is in preserving volatile bioactives, demonstrating enzyme-inhibiting properties, and maintaining thermal stability during processing. This review encompasses a comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals, an assessment of the re-utilization pathway from waste to active materials, and an investigation of processing methods for transforming by-products into films, coatings, and nanoemulsions through green extraction and packaging film development technologies. It also involves the evaluation of their mechanical strength, barrier performance, controlled release mechanism behavior, and effectiveness of food preservation. Key findings demonstrate that ginger and onion residues significantly enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to high phenolic acid and sulfur-containing compound concentrations, while cinnamon and garlic waste effectively improve mechanical strength and barrier attributes owing to their dense fiber matrix and bioactive aldehyde content. However, re-using these residues faces challenges, including the long-term storage stability of certain bioactive compounds, mechanical durability during scale-up, natural variability that affects standardization, and cost competitiveness with conventional packaging. Innovative solutions, including encapsulation, nano-reinforcement strategies, intelligent polymeric systems, and agro-biorefinery approaches, show promise for overcoming these barriers. By utilizing these spice by-products, the packaging industry can advance toward a circular bio-economy, depending less on traditional plastics and promoting environmental sustainability in light of growing global population and urbanization trends. Full article

Clove essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllata essential oil, ECEO) is known for its high eugenol content and notable antimicrobial properties. However, the volatility and instability of its active compounds hinder broader pharmaceutical applications. Methods: This study characterised the chemical composition of ECEO and comparatively evaluated four β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) encapsulation methods: kneading, co-precipitation, lyophilisation, and co-precipitation–lyophilisation for eugenol, eucalyptol, and ECEO. Encapsulation efficiency, physicochemical properties, and antimicrobial potential were assessed. Analytical techniques included Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Headspace GC-MS (HS-GC-MS), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Job’s method, and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Results: GC-MS identified eugenol (90.67%), eugenyl acetate (4.77%), and (E)–β-caryophyllene (3.98%) as major components of ECEO, while HS-GC-MS indicated a slightly reduced eugenol content (86.46%). The kneading method yielded the highest encapsulation efficiency for eugenol, whereas the co-precipitation–lyophilisation method was optimal for eucalyptol. DSC thermograms confirmed complex formation, and DLS analysis revealed nanostructures averaging 186.4 nm in diameter (PDI = 0.298). Antimicrobial assays showed MIC values ranging from 0.039 mg/mL to 10,000 mg/mL. Notably, ECEO and its β-CD complex displayed enhanced efficacy against Escherichia coli (0.039 mg/mL), surpassing the reference antibiotic gentamicin (0.049 mg/mL). Conclusions: β-Cyclodextrin encapsulation significantly enhances the stability and bioactivity of volatile antimicrobial compounds, thereby supporting their potential integration into advanced essential oil-based pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Linalyl acetate (LA), a key volatile component in essential oils, is extensively utilized in fragrance, food, and cosmetic industries. Nevertheless, its practical applications are constrained by rapid evaporation and physicochemical instability. This study developed novel cyclodextrin–metal–organic frameworks (CD-MOFs) crystallized from β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and γ-cyclodextrin (γ-CD) with potassium hydroxide, demonstrating superior structural properties for LA encapsulation. Through comparative analysis with native CDs, the synthesized CD-MOFs exhibited highly ordered crystalline architectures and uniform morphological characteristics. The LA encapsulation capacity of the γ-CD-MOF was systematically evaluated under different conditions using a three-level factorial design via RSM. Optimization revealed maximum encapsulation efficiency (25.9%) under ideal conditions—an LA:γ-CD-MOF mass ratio of 3.8:1, 60.9 °C incubation temperature, and 49.3 min processing time—representing a 2.39-fold enhancement over conventional CD encapsulation. Thermal stability analysis demonstrated remarkable improvement, with LA-γ-CD-MOF complexes showing an onset decomposition temperature of 215 °C, 135 °C higher than that of free LA. Compared with LA-γ-CD, LA coated with γ-CD-MOFs still retained 55.7% at 80 °C for 75 min, with the release rate reduced by about 45.3%. These findings establish the potential of γ-CD-MOFs as effective carriers for thermolabile and volatile compounds in functional food and cosmetic industries. Full article

Background: The rise in multidrug-resistant bacteria has intensified the search for new antibiotics, drawing attention to essential oils (EOs) for their antimicrobial properties. For this reason, this study focuses on the antimicrobial action of the EO obtained from Tagetes minuta and its impact on bacterial membranes. Methods: The EO was chemically characterized by chromatography–mass spectrometry, and its antimicrobial activity and its effects on surface and bacterial membrane were assessed by using Zeta potential, membrane transition temperature (Tm) determination; and fluorescence spectroscopy with Laurdan and Di-8 ANEPPS. Results: Twenty-seven compounds could be identified, with (E)-Tagetone, (Z)-Ocimenone, and β-pinene as the most abundant. Afterward, the EO was tested against Escherichia coli (MIC and MBC = 17 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 8.5 mg/mL; MBC > 17 mg/mL), showing antimicrobial action in both bacteria, being more effective against E. coli. Mechanistic studies revealed that the EO interacts with bacterial membranes, increasing the Zeta potential by more than 9 mV and enhancing membrane permeability up to 90%. These effects were further confirmed using model lipid membranes, where the EO induced significant changes in membrane properties, including a reduction in dipole potential and transition temperature, suggesting that some EO components could be inserted into the lipid bilayer, disrupting membrane integrity. Conclusions: The EO from T. minuta demonstrates efficient antimicrobial activity by compromising bacterial membrane structure, highlighting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. Full article

Corymbia citriodora is a eucalypt tree of significant economic value due to its essential oils (EOs), rich in citronellal, citronellol, and other oxygenated monoterpenes with diverse biological activities. Its EOs show potential for the formulation of biopesticides with a lower impact on the environment and human health. This study evaluated the in vitro nematicidal activity of C. citriodora EOs, obtained from in vivo and in vitro grown plants, and their main volatile compounds against the pinewood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), a major phytosanitary threat. The impact of their main compounds on the environment and human health was assessed using available experimental data and predictions from specialized software. Citronellal and citronellol were the most active EO compounds and exhibited EC₅₀ values comparable to the pesticide emamectin benzoate (0.364 ± 0.009 mg/mL). They also displayed superior safety profiles, with reduced environmental persistence and toxicity to non-target organisms. Furthermore, C. citriodora shoots were efficiently propagated through an in vitro system and their volatile profile was characterized by a dominance of citronellal (64%), and citronellol (10%), which highlights their potential as a scalable and sustainable source of nematicidal compounds. Remarkably, the EO of C. citriodora in vitro shoots was strongly active against the PWN, exhibiting the lowest EC₅₀ (0.239 ± 0.002 mg/mL) obtained. These findings underline the viability of C. citriodora EOs as a promising alternative for sustainable pest management, addressing the urgent need for environmentally friendly and health-conscious biopesticides while providing a renewable approach to nematode control. Full article

This review examines the pharmaceutical applications of essential oils (EOs) and terpenes, highlighting their dual role as therapeutic agents and natural penetration enhancers. These volatile, hydrophobic compounds have well-documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, their clinical potential is limited by poor water solubility, high volatility, and sensitivity to environmental factors, including light, heat, and oxygen. To address these challenges, various advanced delivery systems have been developed to enhance stability, bioavailability, and controlled release. These systems not only protect chemical integrity but also exploit these compounds’ abilities to interact with lipid membranes, facilitating the transport of active compounds across biological barriers. Additionally, their inherent antimicrobial properties can contribute to the overall stability of formulations. The review critically examines the incorporation of terpenes and major essential oil (EO) components, such as limonene, linalool, eugenol, α-pinene, and menthol, into delivery systems, assessing their performance in enhancing drug permeability and targeting specific tissues. Current challenges and future directions in terpenes and EO-based delivery strategies are discussed, highlighting their promising role in developing multifunctional and efficient pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

This study explores the chemical composition and synergistic anti-fungal properties of essential oils from the aerial parts of Satavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), Dill (Anethum graveolens L.), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf), along with the peels of Lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.)) and Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC), as well as the leaves of Citrus hystrix DC, against Malassezia furfur, a yeast linked to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified key volatile compounds within these oils. In vitro anti-fungal assays evaluated their efficacy individually and in combinations using checkerboard dilution techniques to assess synergy. Results indicated significant antifungal activity, with lemongrass exhibiting the strongest effect (MIC of 0.125% v/v). Notably, a 1:1 combination of lemongrass and kaffir lime essential oils showed synergism, reducing the MIC to 0.0625% v/v. The antifungal activity was primarily attributed to citral and citronellal, with MICs of 0.03125% v/v and 0.125% v/v, respectively. Molecular orbital analysis revealed that the higher energy levels of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) in citral correlate with greater antifungal efficacy, likely due to its enhanced electrophilicity, facilitating nucleophilic interactions with M. furfur’s cellular components. These findings highlight potential applications of essential oil combinations in antifungal therapies. Full article

Sitophilus zeamais, a major pest of stored grains, causes significant post-harvest losses and challenges effective control. While synthetic insecticides pose risks of resistance and toxicity, essential oils (EOs) offer a safer alternative. However, the insecticidal potential of their individual volatile constituents (VCs) remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of 51 EO-derived volatile compounds (VCs) against S. zeamais, identifying the most toxic ones, optimizing 15 synergistic mixtures, and assessing their effects on key insect enzymes. A structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis determined functional groups associated with insecticidal activity, while a cluster analysis pre-selected 29 ternary mixtures, later refined using response surface methodology (RSM). Additionally, enzymatic assays explored their impact on detoxification and nervous system enzymes, providing insights into potential mechanisms of action. Among the 51 VCs tested, 37 exhibited significant toxicity, with 11 acting as fumigants and 13 displaying contact toxicity. Monocyclic monoterpenoids with ketone or alcohol functional groups and exocyclic unsaturation demonstrated the highest insecticidal activity via both exposure routes. Notably, pulegone enantiomers were particularly effective (LC₅₀ < 0.1 mg/L, LD₅₀ < 7.5 µg/adult). Among the optimized mixtures, 10 displayed strong insecticidal effects, 8 were active through both routes, and 5 exhibited synergistic fumigant interactions. The most effective formulations were M2 (R-pulegone + S-pulegone + S-carvone, LC₅₀ 0.48 mg/L) and M20 (isopulegone + δ-3-carene, LC₅₀ 2.06 mg/L), showing the strongest fumigant and synergistic effects, respectively. Enzymatic assays revealed that while some compounds mildly inhibited GST and CAT, others, such as δ-3-carene (IC₅₀ 0.19 mg/L), significantly inhibited AChE. Five mixtures exhibited synergistic neurotoxicity, with M20 (IC₅₀ 0.61 mg/L) and M12 (IC₅₀ 0.81 mg/L) emerging as the most potent AChE inhibitors. These findings highlight the potential of plant-derived volatile compounds as bioinsecticides, leveraging synergistic interactions to enhance efficacy, disrupt enzymatic pathways, and mitigate resistance. Full article

The quorum-quenching activity of essential oils (EOs) from Corsican aromatic plants was evaluated using the marine bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri as a model system. Among the eleven EOs screened, Myrtus communis EO showed significant interference with QS-regulated phenotypes (swimming motility, bioluminescence, and biofilm formation). Its activity was compared to Origanum vulgaris EO, known for its high carvacrol content and potent QS inhibition. The fractionation of M. communis EO revealed that its most polar fractions exhibited comparable levels of QS-disrupting activity. These chromatographic fractions significantly affected QS-controlled traits, indicating that minor or less volatile compounds may contribute to, or enhance, the overall bioactivity. Furthermore, M. communis EO and its polar fractions displayed stronger anti-QS effects against A. fischeri than O. vulgaris EO. These results highlight M. communis EO as a promising source of natural QS inhibitors and underscore the importance of exploring both complete EOs and their active fractions. This study supports the valorization of Mediterranean endemic flora as a reservoir of bioactive compounds, tested on a model system A. fischeri, and encourages future research on the potential of Myrtus communis against clinical bacterial isolates and the development of novel anti-virulence strategies. Full article