Search Results (8,181)

The objective of this study is to evaluate, for the first time, the chemical composition and the antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, photoprotective and antibacterial properties of the Tamarix boveana essential oil (EO) as well as its organic extracts. The analysis of the EO obtained from the aerial parts of T. boveana was carried out employing the technique of gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Forty-four constituents were identified, constituting 91.18% of the oil, with the major compounds being γ-cadinene (9.41%), β-caryophyllene (6.71%), limonene (6.5%), p-cymene (6.16%), copaene (4.37%), terpinen-4-ol (4.23%), δ-cadinene (4.21%) and γ-terpinene (4.11%). The antioxidant activity of T. boveana essential oil and organic extracts (hydroalcoholic, CHCl₃, AcOEt, n-BuOH) was evaluated by different tests, including DPPH, ABTS, phenanthroline, SNP and ferric reducing power. The findings indicated that T. boveana essential oil possesses moderate antioxidant capacity, with IC₅₀ values of 223.59 ± 1.01 μg/mL according to the DPPH test. The extracts and essential oil also demonstrated notable inhibitory impacts against α-amylase and butyrylcholinesterase. Antimicrobial activity was determined regarding four bacterial strains, determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The geometry and electronic properties of the main EO compounds were determined using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Furthermore, docking studies were conducted to investigate the interaction and binding affinity of these molecules with the active sites of BuChE and α-amylase enzymes. The results highlight the value of Tamarix boveana as a medicinal plant and indicate its effectiveness as an important source of bioactive compounds for many uses. Full article

Pine wood has a natural, rustic, and environmentally friendly style and is used in a large number of applications in the furniture industry. However, its soft and porous texture makes it susceptible to bacteria, mould, and other micro-organisms. Pine wood was selected as the test substrate, and tea tree essential oil@chitosan (TTO@CS) microcapsules with emulsifier concentrations of 4%, 5%, and 6% were added to the waterborne topcoat at a content of 1%–9% (in 2% intervals) to investigate their effect on the surface coating properties of pine wood. With the increase in microcapsule content, there was an overall increase in colour difference and light loss rate of pine wood surface coating, and the reflectance showed an increase and then decrease. The overall performance of the pine wood surface coatings containing 7% of 13# microcapsules was found to be excellent: the antimicrobial activity of the coatings was 62.58% for Escherichia coli and 61.29% for Staphylococcus aureus after 48 h, and the antimicrobial activity of the coatings was 40.14% for Escherichia coli and 38.89% for Staphylococcus aureus after 4 months. The colour difference in the coating was 2.37, and the light loss was 63.71%. The reflectance value was found to be 0.6860, while the hardness was determined to be 2H and the adhesion class was categorised as one. The impact resistance class was determined to be three, while the roughness was measured at 1.320 μm. The waterborne coating on the surface of pine wood was modified by microencapsulation technology with the objective of enhancing the antimicrobial properties of pine wood and expanding its scope of application. Full article

Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, presents a major public health challenge, highlighting the need for effective biorational agents for mosquito control. Here, we investigated the synergistic effects of essential oil mixtures derived from Hypenia irregularis that is a mint-family shrub native to Brazil’s Cerrado biome, known as “alecrim do Cerrado”, in combination with essential oils from noni (Morinda citrifolia), Brazilian mint (“salva-do-Marajó”, Hyptis crenata), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) against Ae. aegypti. We conducted phytochemical analyses and assessed larvicidal, repellent, and oviposition deterrent activities. Using in silico methods, we predicted molecular interactions between key essential oil components and physiological targets involved in repellent action (odorant-binding protein AeagOBP1 and olfactory receptor Or31) and larvicidal activity (GABA and octopamine receptors, TRP channels, and acetylcholinesterase [AChE]). Major compounds identified included octanoic acid (23%; Hipe. irregularis × M. citrifolia), 2,5-dimethoxy-p-cymene (21.9%; Hipe. irregularis × Hypt. crenata), and citral (23.0%; Hipe. irregularis × C. citratus). Although individual oils showed strong larvicidal activity (Hipe. irregularis LC₅₀ = 2.35 µL/mL; Hypt. crenata = 2.37 µL/mL; M. citrifolia and C. citratus = 2.71 µL/mL), their mixtures did not display synergistic effects. Similarly, repellency and oviposition deterrence were comparable to DEET for individual oils but were not enhanced in mixtures. Notably, the Hipe. irregularis × C. citratus essential oil blend reduced oviposition deterrence. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding of major oil components to AeagOBP1 and Or31, supporting their role in repellency. For larvicidal effects, AChE showed the highest predicted binding affinity. Overall, our findings suggest that H. irregularis, Hypt. crenata, C. citratus, and M. citrifolia (alone or in 1:1 mixture) are promising, sustainable agents for A. aegypti control. Full article

Essential oil blends (EOBs) have been increasingly studied for their multifunctional benefits in animal nutrition and food science. This study evaluates the impact of an EOB composed of eucalyptus and peppermint oil on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of dairy products—milk, cream, and colonial cheese. Forty lactating cows were assigned to two groups: control and EOB addition (3.6 mL/cow/day) on the diet. Sensory analysis showed that the addition of EOB does not significantly alter milk or cream characteristics but enhances cheese texture perception. Fatty acid analysis revealed a higher proportion of SFA and lower UFA in cheese produced from the EOB group. Additionally, the EOB reduced lipid oxidation throughout the ripening process, with significantly lower TBARS values at 45 days of maturation (0.1300), compared to those from cows without supplementation of EOB (0.1585), suggesting improved oxidative stability. Microbiome analysis indicated that the bacterial community composition remained stable, with a slight reduction in Streptococcus spp. in EOB cheeses. No drastic shifts in microbial diversity were detected, and a lower overall abundance of bacterial taxa was observed in the EOB group. Results suggest that EOBs in dairy cow diets may positively modulate dairy product characteristics and alter the microbiota without compromising sensory quality. This study highlights the technological potential of EOB supplementation in dairy production. Full article

Varroa destructor represents a major threat to honeybee colonies worldwide, prompting the search for alternative organic acaricides. This study evaluated the biological activity of essential oils extracted from three Patagonian wild plants—Adesmia boronioides, Dysphania multifida, and Senecio filaginoides—on both V. destructor and Apis mellifera. Chemical analysis revealed that A. boronioides oil was dominated by esquelenone (34.49%), D. multifida by ascaridole (34.87%), and S. filaginoides by α-pinene (40.87%). All essential oils exhibited acaricidal activity, with D. multifida showing the lowest LC₅₀ against V. destructor (1.1 µL/mL at 24 h). Toxicity assays on adult bees indicated that A. boronioides and D. multifida significantly reduced bee survival, whereas S. filaginoides did not appear to cause significant mortality (LC₅₀ = 139.5 µL/mL). Repellency tests for A. boronioides and D. multifida showed significant mite repellence. Larval assays revealed a high survival rate under S. filaginoides treatment (survival rate > 80.24%), in contrast to the reduced viability observed with the other oils. The high selectivity index of S. filaginoides underscores its potential as a selective and safe botanical acaricide. Moreover, its LC₅₀ decreased over time, suggesting a residual acaricidal effect. These findings support S. filaginoides as a promising candidate for sustainable V. destructor control. Full article

Isoeugenol is a phenylpropanoid that is commonly found in essential oils and has been commonly used as a flavoring agent in the culinary field and an anesthetic in fish. Yet despite its similarity to well-known eugenol, there is a lack of data regarding how isoeugenol would directly modulate neuronal excitability to interfere with pain signaling. Here, we studied the effects of isoeugenol on voltage-activated Na⁺ currents (I_Na) as a means of starting to close the gap regarding the inhibitory properties of isoeugenol on neuronal excitability. We used rat dorsal root ganglia neurons under whole cell voltage clamp for the isolation of I_Na.. We show that isoeugenol effectively inhibits I_Na fully, reversibly, and in a dose-dependent manner. Our detailed analysis also indicates the direct interaction of isoeugenol with voltage-gated Na⁺ channels (VGSC) is likely state-dependent, as the inhibitory activity is enhanced by membrane depolarization. This effect is beneficial for pain management, as the drug would act more effectively as neuronal activity is promoted by membrane depolarization. Our data indicates a direct inhibition of VGSC by isoeugenol might constitute the main mechanism whereby this phenylpropanoid produces analgesia. This study serves as a basis for future approaches to deeply investigate the therapeutic potential of this drug or its derivatives. Full article

The present study described, for the first time, the chemical and enantiomeric composition of an essential oil, distilled from the cupules of Aiouea montana (Sw.) R. Rohde. On the one hand, chemical analyses were carried out through GC-MS (qualitative) and GC-FID (quantitative), on two stationary phases of different polarity. Major components (≥3.0%) were S-methyl-O-2-phenylethyl carbonothioate (23.1%), α-copaene (20.3%), α-phellandrene (18.7%), (E)-β-caryophyllene (6.1%), and α-pinene (4.5%). On the other hand, enantioselective analyses were conducted, through GC-MS, on two columns with different chiral selectors, based on derivatised β-cyclodextrins. A total of 12 chiral components were analysed, of which (1S,5S)-(−)-α-pinene and (1R,2S,6S,7S,8S)-(−)-α-copaene were found to be enantiomerically pure. All the other chiral components were present as scalemic mixtures. Finally, both chemical and enantiomeric profiles were compared to the ones previously described in the literature for the leaf essential oil of A. montana. In conclusion, cupules of A. montana produced an essential oil with a higher yield in comparison with leaves but with a lower content of S-methyl-O-2-phenylethyl carbonothioate. On the other hand, to some extent, the enantiomeric compositions of these volatile fractions were somewhat different. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the cupule essential oil of A. montana could be the second main natural source of (−)-α-copaene so far described in the literature. Full article

This study focused on developing emulsion-coated active papers with antifungal properties to extend the shelf life of tomatoes during home storage, thereby reducing food waste in households. First, a mixture of essential oils (EO_mix)—composed of 33.3% oregano and 66.7% cinnamon leaf oils—was optimised through a mixture design and emulsified with cationic starches. Based on their stability and efficacy, two different emulsions containing 10% Tween 80, 6–8% EO_mix, and HI-CAT or EVO cationic starches (82 or 84%, respectively) were selected and applied on paper. Then, the antifungal performance of the coated papers was tested in culture media against Botrytis cinerea, demonstrating strong antifungal activity in the vapour phase, effective for up to 31 days at 4 °C. In tests conducted with fresh tomatoes, the active papers improved fruit appearance and significantly reduced mould growth while maintaining overall sensory quality, indicating that these materials could extend tomato shelf life and thus offer a promising, low-cost, and biodegradable solution to reduce fruit waste at the consumer level, combining effective antifungal protection with good sensory performance in real-use conditions. Full article

Origanum vulgare L. is an important aromatic plant traditionally used in folk medicine since ancient times. Its growing interest for the scientific community is mainly attributed to its distinctive chemical profile, which includes bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols (phenolic acids and flavonoids) and volatile compounds (essential oil). These components collectively contribute to oregano’s wide spectrum of biological activities. In this study, the volatile components of the essential oil (WEO_OR) and the polyphenolic fraction of the methanolic extract (ME_OR) obtained from leaves and inflorescences of wild Origanum vulgare collected in central Italy were characterized using GC-MS and UHPLC-DAD, respectively. Carvacrol was identified as the major compound in the essential oil, while rosmarinic acid was predominant in the methanolic extract. A comparative analysis was also carried out with a commercially available essential oil (CEO_OR), aiming to evaluate potential differences in chemical composition and antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays). ME_OR showed the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 0.052 mg mL⁻¹; ABTS = 3.94 mg TE mL⁻¹; FRAP = 30.58 mg TE g⁻¹), followed by CEO_OR (DPPH IC₅₀ = 0.45 mg mL⁻¹; ABTS = 9.57 mg TE mL⁻¹; FRAP = 7.33 mg TE g⁻¹), while WEO_OR displayed the lowest values (DPPH IC₅₀ = 1.54 mg mL⁻¹; ABTS = 0.10 mg TE mL⁻¹). Furthermore, ME_OR and WEO_OR were tested in vitro using the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2 to assess their potential biological activities related to cell survival and oxidative stress. The results indicated that at the tested doses, neither the ME nor the EO showed significant toxicity, as evidenced by the unchanged proliferation rate of HepG2 cells. However, the ME at low doses (50 and 100 μg mL⁻¹) and the EO (0.005%), administered as a pre-treatment, exhibited a protective effect against oxidative stress, as inferred from the reduction in 8-OHdG levels, a marker of oxidative damage to nucleic acids. Full article

The growing demand for natural preservatives has driven interest in essential oils (EOs) from medicinal and aromatic plants. This study examines the potential of EOs from six wild populations of Albanian Lamiaceae, specifically Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Thymbra capitata, and Satureja montana species, to be utilized for food conservation, among other possible uses. The EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation, and their chemical profiles were analyzed through GC-MS. DPPH and ABTS assays were performed to evaluate antioxidant activity. The antimicrobial efficacy of the oils was assessed using the broth microdilution method against six common foodborne pathogens: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Micrococcus luteus, and one fungus, Candida albicans. The most potent EOs in terms of yield and biological activity, resulting from O. vulgare subsp. hirtum and T. capitata, were encapsulated in oil-in-water emulsions, which were characterized for particle size and zeta potential. The results show that the populations of O.vulgare subsp. hirtum and T. capitata taken in the study belong to carvacrol chemotypes, and their EOs show strong antioxidant activity and are effective against all tested microorganisms. Nanoemulsions prepared with these EOs showed promising stability, indicating their potential as natural preservatives in food applications. Full article

Amomum villosum, a medicinal and edible plant, has shown promise in improving digestive health; however, the mechanisms underlying its antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects remain unclear. This study aimed to optimize the extraction of A. villosum essential oil (AVEO) and elucidate its bioactive potential. Ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded 3.84% AVEO under optimal conditions. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry combined with SwissADME analysis identified nine active components, including bornyl acetate, (−)-Spathulenol, and (−)-Pogostol. In vitro assays demonstrated potent α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀: 0.99 mg/mL) and strong free radical scavenging activities against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (IC₅₀: 0.87 mg/mL), hydroxyl (IC₅₀: 0.18 mg/mL), and superoxide anion radicals (IC₅₀: 0.01 mg/mL). A significant positive correlation was observed between its antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. Network pharmacology identified 11 core targets involved in oxidative stress and glucose metabolism, with functional enrichment pointing to the PPAR and steroid hormone signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed stable binding affinities of bornyl acetate, (−)-spathulenol, and (−)-pogostol to JAK2, NCOA2, and PPARA via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the dual antioxidant–hypoglycemic effects of AVEO and support its potential application in the development of functional foods and natural therapeutics targeting metabolic disorders. Full article

The increasing environmental and health concerns about synthetic pesticides have compelled researchers to investigate more sustainable, plant-based substitutes for pest management. Due to their unique modes of action and biodegradability, essential oils (EOs) represent effective bio-pesticides. This study examines the biological activities of Artemisia vulgaris (Asteraceae) EO (AVEO) against Aceria pongamiae Keifer (Eriophyidae), a destructive gall mite on Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae), using fumigation, contact toxicity, and repellency assays for the first time. AVEO was isolated through hydro-distillation, yielding 0.86 ± 0.14% v/w and analyzed by GC-MS/MS, with camphor (28.94%), 4-tert-butylaniline (19.79%), α-pinene (6.61%), eucalyptol (6.39%), fenchol (6.03%), and camphene (5.43%) identified as major constituents. The bioassay of fumigation (0.25–1 µL/mL air) showed LC₅₀ values decreased significantly from 1.29 (24 h) to 0.43 µL/mL air (72 h), while LC₅₀ values of contact toxicity bioassay (2.50–10 µL/mL) declined from 37.37 to 4.56 µL/mL over the same period. Repellency reached 86.11% (Class V) at 0.1 µL/mL (72 h), indicating intense concentration and time-dependent efficacy. These results indicate AVEO’s potential as a green acaricide, highlighting potent fumigant, contact, and repellent activities against A. pongamiae, positioning it as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic acaricides for sustainable pest control practices with reduced environmental degradation. Full article

Background: Oral antiseptic formulations are widely used as adjuncts in oral hygiene to reduce pathogenic microorganisms and prevent oral diseases. While these agents are effective in controlling biofilm, their broader effects may disrupt the oral microbiota’s balance, potentially contributing to systemic health implications. The complex relationship between antiseptic use, microbial composition, and systemic outcomes remains insufficiently mapped. Objective: This scoping review aimed to explore and map the current evidence regarding the impact of antiseptic formulations on oral microbiota composition and to examine their potential associations with systemic diseases. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to June 2025. Studies were included if they investigated antiseptic formulations commonly used in oral healthcare—such as chlorhexidine, essential oils, and cetylpyridinium chloride—and reported effects on oral microbiota and/or systemic health. Eligible study types included human clinical trials, observational studies, in vitro, and animal studies. Two reviewers independently screened and selected studies, with disagreements resolved by consensus. Data extraction focused on study design, antiseptic agents, microbial outcomes, and systemic implications. A total of 12 studies were included and charted. Results: The included studies demonstrated that oral antiseptics effectively reduce pathogenic microorganisms and improve clinical outcomes in oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. However, several studies also reported alterations in commensal microbial communities, suggesting a potential for dysbiosis. Some studies indicated possible links between antiseptic-induced microbial changes and systemic conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Conclusions: The evidence highlights a dual effect of antiseptic formulations: while beneficial in controlling oral pathogens, they may disrupt microbial homeostasis with possible systemic consequences. Further research is needed to evaluate long-term effects and develop targeted, microbiota-preserving oral hygiene strategies. Full article

Roupala montana (Proteaceae) is a shrub native to subtropical and tropical regions of Central and South America. The EO extracted from R. montana was analyzed for its chemical composition and biological activities. GC analysis revealed that the essential oil has a chemically diverse composition, predominantly composed of oxygenated diterpenes (29.37%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (7.81%). Phytol, with 21.17 ± 1.59%, was the major component. Enantioselective GC showed a high enantiomeric excess of (S)-(+)-γ-muurolene (95.07%) and enantiomeric purity of (1S,4aR,8aR)-(−)-γ-cadinene. Antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties were assessed in the EO, comparing them with related species, highlighting its potential for targeted pharmaceutical and biotechnological applications. Full article

Tarragon extracts, especially from Artemisia dracunculus, have shown their potential as natural pesticides and can harm aquatic ecosystems. In addition, waste from tarragon essential oil production can also contribute to aquatic pollution if not properly managed. In this study, a hydrodistillate and a commercial tarragon essential oil were considered to evaluate their effects on aquatic ecosystems. A growth inhibition test was performed using Lemna minor to evaluate the potential ecotoxicity of tarragon extracts, and a biochemical test was performed to investigate the potential effects of the lowest volume of oil, which did not cause any visible impact on this organism. The results showed that the hydrodistillate did not show toxic effects on L. minor, but the essential oil demonstrated potential ecotoxicity, with volumes of 0.5 µL and above leading to percentage reductions in frond numbers of 50% and higher. The biochemical assay revealed no significant differences between the negative control and the lowest volume of oil tested, suggesting the absence of biochemical effects at low exposure levels. The effects of compounds identified at higher concentrations in the tarragon extracts on other aquatic organisms were predicted using the admetSAR3.0 tool, and potential toxicity against numerous aquatic organisms was emphasized, particularly for cis-beta-ocimene, trans-beta-ocimene, and caryophyllene oxide. These findings emphasize the need for careful consideration of both the application dose and disposal practices of tarragon-based products. Full article