Search Results (843)

Four sweet cherry cultivars (FuChen, Redlight, Huangmi, and Samituo) grown in northern China were used to produce sweet cherry wines with two alcohol levels. Physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and volatile aroma compounds of the wines were systematically investigated. The results showed that wine from the Redlight cultivar with an alcohol content of 11.22 ± 0.17% contained the highest phenolic content and also exhibited the strongest antioxidant capacity as measured by DPPH and ABTS•⁺ assays. Meanwhile, wine from the FuChen cultivar with an alcohol content of 11.45 ± 0.03% had the highest anthocyanin content and showed the strongest FRAP antioxidant activity. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) based on electronic nose data clearly distinguished the eight sweet cherry wine samples from different cultivars. A total of 58 volatile compounds were identified by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Both principal component analysis (PCA) and OPLS-DA revealed clear differences among the sweet cherry wines based on their volatile composition. Using variable importance in projection (VIP) scores > 1 and relative odor activity values (ROAVs), the key aroma compounds contributing to the characteristic aroma profiles of the eight sweet cherry wines were identified as ethyl butanoate, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl hexanoate, methyl decanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl benzoate, methyl salicylate, citronellol, and eugenol. These findings provide important guidance for the selection of raw materials to improve the production of sweet cherry wines with targeted alcohol levels. Full article

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the modulatory actions of plant-derived constituents on membrane ion channels in various cell types. Among their diverse bioactivities, ion channel regulation—governing membrane excitability, signal transduction, and cellular homeostasis—has emerged as a critical mechanistic basis for their pharmacological effects. Twenty-four representative phytoconstituents are discussed and classified into five major categories based on their structural features: alkaloids, terpenoids, lignans and acetogenins, polyphenols, and other aromatic and conjugated compounds. Across these categories, the reviewed compounds exhibit distinct and often highly specific effects on the amplitude and gating kinetics of multiple ionic currents, including voltage-gated Na⁺ currents (I_Na), delayed-rectifier K⁺ currents (I_K(DR)), M-type K⁺ currents (I_K(M)), hyperpolarization-activated cation currents (I_h), erg-mediated K⁺ currents (I_K(erg)), inwardly rectifying K⁺ currents, and Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ currents (I_K(Ca)). Alkaloids predominantly suppress voltage-gated K⁺ currents, with notable exceptions such as aconitine, which alters the properties of both I_Na and I_K(DR), thereby contributing to its proarrhythmic toxicity. Terpenoids, including cannabidiol, croton diterpenoids, lutein, thymol, and triptolide, exert multifaceted effects on I_K(M), I_h, inwardly rectifying K⁺ currents, and Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels. Lignans and acetogenins, such as gomisin A, honokiol, sesamin, and squamocin, primarily modulate I_Na, I_h, and I_K(Ca), with several compounds demonstrating strong links between ion-channel modulation and anti-neoplastic or neuroprotective actions. Polyphenolic compounds, including curcumin, eugenol, resveratrol, gastrodigenin, gastrodin, and pterostilbene, display diverse ion-channel targeting profiles, influencing multiple Na⁺ and K⁺ channel subtypes. Other aromatic or conjugated compounds, such as isoplumbagin, plumbagin, and verteporfin, regulate I_K(erg) and I_K(Ca), potentially contributing to both therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects. Collectively, the compound-specific modulation of current amplitude and gating kinetics offers valuable mechanistic insight into the pharmacological and toxicological significance of plant-derived natural products, highlighting the functional role of ion channel evaluation in guiding their therapeutic development and ensuring safety assessment. Full article

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is one of the most destructive soil-borne pathogens affecting tomato production worldwide, causing substantial yield losses and persisting in soil for extended periods. The increasing regulatory restrictions on chemical fungicides and the emergence of resistant pathogen strains have intensified the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. This systematic review synthesizes studies published between 2000 and 2025 that evaluated the antifungal efficacy of essential oils (EOs), their bioactive constituents, and EO-based nanoformulations against FOL in tomato. A total of 40 studies were included, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, encompassing in vitro, greenhouse, and limited field evaluations. Many EOs rich in phenolic compounds and oxygenated monoterpenes, such as thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, citral, and menthol, consistently inhibited FOL growth and spore germination, with reported mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 60 to 100% and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0.05 and 1.5 µL ml⁻¹. However, the use of EOs is often limited because they evaporate quickly, do not mix well with water, can harm plants, and do not persist under field conditions. Nano-delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, chitosan-based carriers, and lipid-based nanostructures, have been shown to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and antifungal efficacy of EOs. This has led to improved disease management and reduced pesticide application rates. In addition, several EO-based treatments have been reported to activate plant defense responses, including the induction of defense-related genes, antioxidant enzymes, and epigenetic modifications. Overall, EO-based nanoformulations show promise as next-generation biopesticides for the sustainable management of tomato Fusarium wilt. Nevertheless, large-scale field validation, standardized formulation protocols, and regulatory assessments are required before these technologies can be widely implemented in agriculture. 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

Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a major fruit-feeding pest that poses a severe and persistent threat to the horticulture industry in tropical and subtropical regions. Methyl eugenol (ME) is a powerful male-specific attractant phytochemical and pheromone precursor that has been widely exploited in lure-and-kill pest management programs. Upon ingestion, ME is metabolized (E)-coniferyl alcohol (E-CF) and 2-allyl-4,5-dimethoxyphenol (DMP), which are stored in the male rectal glands and released during courtship to attract females. Despite its ecological significance, the fundamental molecular mechanism underlying ME perception remains poorly understood. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of ME-responsive and ME-non-responsive male B. dorsalis across four tissues (head, gut, midleg, and wing). A total of 15,727 genes were annotated, of which 970 were associated with odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), and chemosensory proteins (CSPs), as well as detoxification families comprising cytochrome P450s (CYPs), carboxylesterases (CaEs), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and uridine diphosphate (UDP)-glycosyltransferases (UGTs), and the stress-related heat shock proteins (HSPs) genes. Differential expression analysis identified 7222, 7763, and 6105 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the head, gut, and wings/midlegs, respectively, between ME-responsive and ME-non-responsive males. Notably, CYPs, UGTs, and HSPs involved in detoxification and stress response were significantly downregulated. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed that CYPs were significantly enriched in metabolic detoxification pathways. These findings reveal a complex molecular interplay between olfaction and detoxification and suggest that ME induces coordinated genetic pathways supporting survival, reproduction, and environmental adaptability. This knowledge provides a foundation for the development of eco-friendly pest management strategies targeting these molecular mechanisms. 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

Candida parapsilosis is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections due to its persistence on abiotic surfaces and efficient transmission via healthcare workers’ hands. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy and safety of clinically relevant antiseptics against 60 C. parapsilosis clinical isolates using a surface carrier test designed to simulate contamination and disinfection events on hospital surfaces. Antifungal activity was assessed by logarithmic reduction (log₁₀) assays on surface carriers and by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing. Potential synergistic interactions between antiseptics and selected phytochemicals were investigated using checkerboard assays, and toxicity was evaluated in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans. Surface carrier assays showed that 70% ethanol and 0.5% alcoholic chlorhexidine (CHG) achieved the highest fungicidal activity, with reductions of up to 5 log₁₀ after 1 min exposure at 25 °C. Polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHMGH) displayed consistently low MIC values (0.4–0.9 ppm) and intermediate surface activity. CHG combined with eugenol or menthol produced strong synergistic interactions, reducing CHG MICs from up to 6250 ppm to as low as 20 ppm (>300-fold). Toxicity assays revealed a narrow safety margin for CHG, whereas PHMGH showed a more gradual concentration-dependent toxicity profile. These findings highlight clinically relevant differences in antiseptic performance and identify combination strategies that may reduce CHG exposure while maintaining antifungal efficacy. Full article

This study aimed to provide a comprehensive characterization of floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs), perform systematic comparative analysis among multiple fragrant camellias, and establish a classification framework based on aroma components for cultivars derived from Camellia Sect. Theopsis. Volatile compounds were analyzed from 21 fragrant camellias using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-TOFMS), followed by cluster and correlation analyses. A total of 51 volatile compounds were identified, including 20 alcohols, 15 aldehydes, and five esters, among which 27 were designated as major aroma components. Alcohols were the dominant class, and phenylethyl alcohol was detected in all cultivars, with a relative abundance ranging from 1.30% to 45.86%. Certain compounds, such as eugenol and 2-pentylfuran, exhibited cultivar-specific enrichment. Cluster analysis revealed a high degree of similarity in volatile profiles, with the strongest correlation observed between Camellia ‘Himenoka’ and Camellia ‘Minato-no-haru’ (r = 0.97). This similarity may be associated with a shared parental background, particularly the frequent use of Camellia lutchuensis in breeding. These findings provide a systematic understanding of floral VOC composition and offer a chemical basis for the utilization of Camellia Sect. Theopsis germplasm in fragrance-oriented breeding. Full article

Current smart packaging systems exhibit uneven release of active ingredients (rapid in the early stage and slow in the later stage), resulting in insufficient antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This study developed a pH-autonomous controlled-release sensor using Eudragit L100 and citrate as the matrix, with eugenol as the active component, and constructed a sandwich structure via electrospinning. The sensor can automatically release eugenol as needed in response to pH changes during shrimp storage, while simultaneously enabling visual monitoring of spoilage status. This innovation effectively extends the shelf life of fresh shrimp and provides a novel solution for the on-demand release of active ingredients in food preservation. Full article

In the oral environment, silicone (polysiloxane) supports healing by creating low-permeability interfaces that limit microleakage, whereas silicon/silica systems support healing via hydroxyapatite nucleation. We synthesized human evidence on intraoral healing associated with silicone and silicon/silica-based materials and assessed translational differences between preclinical models and clinical settings. A systematic review (1990-September 2025) identified 14 clinical studies of bioactive glass (BAG) that met the inclusion criteria. Periodontal outcomes included probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic fill; endodontic outcomes included the periapical index (PAI). Human BAG studies showed periodontal benefits versus controls in intrabony defects, with reduced PD, improved CAL, and greater radiographic fill. For endodontic healing, a multicenter randomized clinical trial reported improved PAI at 12 months in both the zinc-oxide-eugenol and silicone-sealer groups without a significant between-group difference. The literature supports a functional split: silicone primarily provides sealing and permissive healing, whereas silicon/silica-based materials support signaling, interfacial bonding, and regenerative healing. Clinically, BAG appears most relevant for contained periodontal intrabony defects, whereas silicone sealers should be viewed primarily as stable sealing adjuncts to well-executed root canal therapy. 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

This study aimed to prepare and characterize nanoemulsions containing eugenol and 1,8-cineole using the emulsification method and to investigate their anesthetic effects on guppy fish. The optimized formulation comprised a 5–10% mixture of eugenol and 1,8-cineole in a 1:2 ratio, stabilized with 15–20% Tween 80. The selected formulations displayed mean particle sizes below 15 nm, a low polydispersity index (PDI) (<0.5), and a zeta potential that was more negative than −40 millivolts (mV), indicating stable emulsions. Their pH ranged from 6.50 to 6.63, indicating slight acidity. The formulations exhibited non-Newtonian rheology, as well as thinning under shear stress. Three formulations (F2, F6, and F12) remained stable after both accelerated and long-term stability testing. All nanoemulsions were able to induce guppy fish to the third stage of anesthesia. The nanoemulsions with concentrations of 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L eugenol effectively induced sedation and anesthesia in both sexes and reduced the induction and recovery times compared with the ethanol solution. In conclusion, this study highlights nanoemulsions as a promising drug delivery system for alternative anesthetics in aquaculture. Full article

Alterations in tight junction (TJ) organization and dysregulation of cancer stem cell (CSC)-associated markers are increasingly recognized as molecular features linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, heterogeneity and clinical outcome. Bioactive dietary compounds such as spermidine (SPD) and eugenol (EUG) have been proposed as modulators of cancer-related molecular pathways; however, their combined effects on CRC spheroid models relevant to molecular characterization remain insufficiently defined. In the present study, the molecular impact of SPD and EUG, administered individually or in combination, was evaluated in primary and metastatic CRC spheroids. First-generation spheroids derived from Caco-2 and SW620 cells were exposed to SPD, EUG, or SPD+EUG at the time of seeding, and spheroid growth and self-renewal capacity were monitored across successive generations. The expression of TJ- and CSC-associated markers was assessed at both the transcript and protein levels using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The combined SPD+EUG treatment was associated with a marked reduction in spheroid area and self-renewal capacity in both CRC models. Baseline molecular profiling revealed higher TJ marker expression in Caco-2 spheroids and enrichment of CSC-associated markers in SW620 spheroids. Treatment-induced modulation of CSC- and TJ-related transcripts was observed; however, transcript-level changes were not consistently mirrored at the protein level, indicating the involvement of post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. In particular, Occludin (OCLN), Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), CD133, ALDH1A1, SOX2 and VE-cadherin exhibited divergent RNA and protein expression patterns depending on cell type and treatment condition. Collectively, these findings underscore the relevance of three-dimensional CRC spheroid models for molecular profiling studies and highlight the importance of integrating transcript- and protein-level analyses when evaluating bioactive compounds with potential diagnostic and translational relevance in colorectal cancer. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing Alpinia katsumadai and Wurfbainia vera extracts on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal metabolites, and microbiota of Danzhou chickens. Using Danzhou broilers, we examined the individual or combined inclusion of Alpinia katsumadai and Wurfbainia vera extracts in a 2 × 2 factorial layout. Four hundred and eighty female dual-purpose chickens were randomly assigned to four treatments (six replicates of 20 chicks each): control basal diet (CON), basal + 600 mg kg⁻¹Alpinia katsumadai (T1), basal + 600 mg kg⁻¹ Wurfbainia vera (T2), or basal + 600 mg kg⁻¹ Alpinia katsumadai + 600 mg kg⁻¹ Wurfbainia vera (T3). All treatments differed significantly from CON. For intestinal morphology, T1, T2, and T3 increased jejunal villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio while reducing crypt depth. T1 exceeded CON (p < 0.05), and an interaction was detected. T1 raised the abundances of Bacteroidota, Bifidobacterium, Tidjanibacter, and Phocaeicola relative to CON (p < 0.05). T3 exhibited higher activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase than CON, T2, and T1 (p < 0.05). Metabolomically, T1, T2, and T3 elevated intestinal Menaquinone-9, lecithin, and L-galactono-1,5-lactone versus CON (p < 0.05). T3 lowered 3-(R)-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and 9-(R)-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid versus CON and T1, and increased eugenol versus CON (p < 0.05). Overall, T1 and T2, especially in combination, enhance antioxidant capacity, improve gut morphology, promote beneficial microbiota and activate health-related metabolic pathways in Danzhou broilers. Full article

Background: The control of fleas and ticks in companion animals is a persistent challenge with animal welfare and public health implications. The increasing resistance to antiparasitic treatments, coupled with concerns over the environmental impact and non-target effects of synthetic acaricides, has driven interest in sustainable alternatives. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as potential candidates due to their complex chemistry and modes of action. Methods: This review critically analyzes the scientific literature on essential oils for ectoparasite control in companion animals. Specifically, it examines their chemical composition, multi-target mechanisms of action, laboratory and field efficacy, role in resistance mitigation, and integration into IPM strategies. Results: Several EOs, particularly those rich in phenolic compounds (thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde), demonstrate promising in vitro insecticidal and acaricidal activity. Their multi-target mechanisms, affecting neuronal, respiratory, and cuticular functions, not only provide efficacy but also represent a significant barrier to rapid resistance development. However, their translation to reliable field performance is hampered by high volatility, formulation instability, and innate variability. Conclusions: EOs represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds for reducing reliance on conventional acaricides and can play a key role within IPM strategies. To realize their full potential in mitigating resistance, focused advancements are needed in standardized testing, formulation science to enhance stability and residual activity, and rigorous field studies to confirm safety and efficacy. Full article