Search Results (122)

Coriandrum sativum L. is a widely cultivated aromatic herb exhibiting substantial variation in essential oil quality and yield among different accessions. This study assessed germination performance, essential oil composition, yield, chemotype distribution, and fragrance characteristics in 48 C. sativum accessions collected from 19 countries spanning four Köppen–Geiger climate zones: Tropical/Subtropical, Arid/Semi-arid, Temperate, and Continental/Cold. All accessions were grown under standardized field conditions, and essential oils were extracted from aerial parts using steam distillation followed by direct-GC/MS analysis. Seed germination rates were consistently high (mean: 92.25 ± 5.85%; range: 71–100%) and did not differ significantly by climate zone (Kruskal–Wallis H = 5.500, p = 0.139) or country of origin (H = 21.833, p = 0.240), indicating that post-harvest management, rather than climatic provenance, primarily determines seed viability. Essential oil profiles were dominated by (E)-2-decenal (mean: 44.56%), decanal (11.75%), and 2-dodecenal (13.47%). Principal component analysis (PCA) of 18 compounds detected in at least 19 accessions accounted for 70.16% of total variance across five components, with PC1 reflecting a gradient from long-chain saturated aldehyde accumulation to linalool enrichment. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) demonstrated significant compositional differentiation among climate zones (Pseudo-F = 1.662, p = 0.028), whereas country-level grouping was not significant (p = 0.256). Tropical/subtropical accessions exhibited the highest linalool content (mean: 15.39 ± 8.71%) and essential oil yield (mean: 0.269 ± 0.120% v/w), significantly surpassing arid/semi-arid and temperate zones (p < 0.05). Two chemotypes were identified, (E)-2-decenal (91.7%) and linalool (8.3%), each associated with distinct fragrance profiles (earthy/aldehydic/woody versus herbal/sweet, respectively). These findings demonstrate that climate zone of origin is significantly associated with C. sativum essential oil composition and productivity, with tropical/subtropical accessions providing superior yield and linalool content. Chemotype characterization offers an additional criterion for germplasm selection in targeted industrial applications. Full article

Orchids exhibit remarkable diversity in terms of form, color, and fragrance, and are highly valued for their ornamental potential. In the Brazilian Cerrado, several native epiphytic species, including Cattleya cernua (Lindl.), are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and uncontrolled wild harvesting, leading to significant genetic erosion. In this context, conservation strategies and the development of optimized in vitro culture protocols are essential for preserving these species. This study optimized in vitro growth and established an acclimatization protocol for C. cernua by evaluating the effects of salt and sucrose concentrations, plant flour supplementation, and substrate types and fertilizer levels on acclimatization performance. Results indicated that the MS medium at 25% supplemented with 10 g L⁻¹ sucrose promoted the greatest shoot growth, number of leaves, and pseudobulb formation. The addition of cashew nut flour at 10 g L⁻¹ significantly enhanced both shoot and root development, increasing leaf and root numbers compared to other treatments. Data showed that coconut fiber, even without fertilization, supported high survival rates and robust plant growth. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the in vitro growth of Cattleya cernua is most effectively achieved using MS medium at 25% strength supplemented with 10 g L⁻¹ sucrose and 10 g L⁻¹ cashew flour, followed by acclimatization in coconut fiber without additional fertilization. This protocol represents an efficient, sustainable strategy for propagating and conserving this native Cerrado orchid species. Full article

In addition to the true cedars (Cedrus species), there are several genera of trees commonly called “cedar”, including species of Callitropsis, Calocedrus, Cedrela, Chamaecyparis, Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Juniperus, Thuja, and Widdringtonia. The wood essential oils (cedarwood oils) of these trees have been used as flavor and fragrance materials, as well as in medicinal applications. In this study, we present summaries of the wood essential oils from trees known as “cedar”. A literature search was carried out on cedarwood oils and, when available, compared with commercial wood essential oils from the Aromatic Plant Research Center (APRC) collection. Cedrus wood oils are generally dominated by the himachalenes and atlantones. Sesquiterpenoids are abundant in other cedarwood oils, including cedrenes, cedrol, and thujopsene in Cupressus funebris, Juniperus ashei, and Juniperus virginiana. Cadinane sesquiterpenoids are generally abundant in Cedrela odorata and Cryptomeria japonica, while nootkatane sesquiterpenoids are found in Callitropsis nootkatensis and eudesmane sesquiterpenoids are found in Thuja occidentalis. Sesquiterpenoids are generally responsible for the woody fragrances of cedarwood oils, but monoterpenoids can also be dominant (e.g., Calocedrus species). Full article

Natural products have long been integral to traditional medicine, offering diverse therapeutic benefits. Increasing concerns about the side effects of synthetic drugs have heightened interest in plant-derived compounds. The camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl) and its derivatives, such as camphor oil, have been valued for centuries. Historically, C. camphora was used as a fumigant during the Black Death, a prized ingredient in perfumes, and a key component in embalming fluids. Today, camphor extracted from C. camphora is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics, a flavoring agent in food, an ingredient in household cleaners, and a topical remedy for minor muscle pain. Camphor is primarily obtained through steam distillation of the wood but can also be synthetically produced from turpentine. Camphor exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities, including insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticoccidial, antinociceptive, anticancer, and antitussive effects, and has historically been employed to alleviate inflammation, congestion, pain, and irritation. This review integrates recently published research (up to 2025) on the biological activities and therapeutic applications of camphor that were not comprehensively addressed in earlier reviews. Furthermore, a mechanistic perspective is provided on camphor’s pharmacological effects, including its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer actions, highlighting the chemical basis underlying these activities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the history, applications, and biological properties of camphor, emphasizing its potential in preventing and treating serious diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In addition, sustainability and translational relevance are emphasized, demonstrating how camphor exemplifies the integration of traditional knowledge with contemporary medicinal research. Overall, this review offers new insights into the therapeutic potential of camphor, underscoring its promising role in addressing major medical challenges while supporting the growing importance of plant-based compounds in modern healthcare due to their effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. Full article

Hyssop is an aromatic plant containing essential oil, used in folk medicine, and also known as a popular spice and ornamental plant. Hyssop essential oil is commonly used in cosmetics, perfumes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and food additives. It can also be intended for external use as a fragrance ingredient in soaps, perfumes, creams, and other cosmetic products, as well as in aromatherapy. The composition of hyssop essential oil is not uniform and depends on a number of factors, including genetic, ontogenetic, and environmental ones. The hyssop essential oil is rich in oxygenated terpene compounds, the majority of which are represented by monoterpene ketones, i.e., isopinocamphone and pinocamphone. The essential oil yield ranged from 0.22% to 4.4% in different parts of the plant. The highest concentration of essential oil is found during full bloom. Annual plants accumulated the highest contents of volatile compounds, which was significantly influenced by genotype and year of cultivation. In addition, environmental conditions modify the composition of the essential oil of individual hyssop genotypes in different ways. Hyssop essential oil exhibits multi-faceted biological activities, depending on its chemical composition, which in turn depends on the stage of development and growing conditions. Full article

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is a perennial herbaceous plant widely renowned for its floral ornamental appeal, distinctive pleasant scent, and utilization in folk remedies. Roots and barks are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective effects. Considering the growing interest and demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields for sustainable and bioactive botanical derivatives, this study aimed to apply NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents) extraction on fresh flowers of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. The purpose was to obtain a natural, multifunctional, and ready-to-use cosmetic ingredient with concurrent antioxidant activity, antimicrobial functionalities, and olfactive properties. The eutectic systems selected in this study were composed of betaine as the hydrogen bond acceptor and glycerol and/or sorbitol as the hydrogen bond donors. These eutectic systems under microwave activation led to a rapid extraction, from peony fresh flowers, of considerable phenolic amounts (from 33.0 to 34.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of fresh flowers), which confer to the whole NADES-based extract an excellent radical scavenging activity (around 87.5%, compared to Trolox) and a pleasant fragrance, due to the extraction of some characteristic volatile compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Antimicrobial assays against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains demonstrated good inhibitory activity of the sample against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus species (MIC ranging from 0.9 to 14.5 mg/mL) and against Enterococcus species (from 28.8 to 57.8 mg/mL). Furthermore, results on different Staphylococcus aureus strains disclosed additional interesting anti-biofilm properties. Preliminary long-term studies (up to 9 months) on these combined properties highlighted the stabilizing effect of NADESs on the active metabolites, confirming their potential as natural and functional ingredients that could be directly incorporated into pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, offering enhanced efficacy and improved stability. Full article

Ethyl butyrate is a typical flavor ester with pineapple-banana scents, but the poor yield from natural fruits limits its feasibility in food and fragrance industries. In this study, dendritic fibrous nano-silica (DFNS) was hydrophobically modified with octyl groups (DFNS-C₈) to immobilize Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) for solvent-free esterification of ethyl butyrate. The immobilized lipase CALB@DFNS-C₈, with the enzyme loading of 354.6 mg/g and the enzyme activity of 0.064 U/mg protein, achieved 96.0% ethyl butyrate conversion under the optimum reaction conditions where the molar ratio of butyric acid to ethanol was 1:3, with a reaction temperature and time of 40 °C and 4 h. Under the solvent-free catalytic reactions, CALB@DFNS-C₈ presented the maximum catalytic efficiency of 35.1 mmol/g/h and retained 89% initial activity after ten reuse cycles. In addition, the immobilized lipase can efficiently catalyze the synthesis of various flavor esters (such as butyl acetate, hexyl acetate, butyl butyrate, etc.) and exhibits excellent thermostability and solvent tolerance. A molecular docking simulation reveals that the hydrophobic cavity around the catalytic triad stabilizes the acyl intermediate and ensures the precise orientation of both acid and alcohol substrates. This work provides new insights into the sustainable production of flavor esters using highly active and recyclable immobilized lipases through rational carrier hydrophobization and structural confinement design. Full article

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can still be considered point sources of contamination into receiving aquatic ecosystems, especially for many emerging contaminants, which require additional treatments for their removal. In this study, the impact of a WWTP on the water quality of a river located in the metropolitan area of Milan, Northern Italy, was investigated. A wide range of emerging contaminants (i.e., perfluorinated compounds, pharmaceuticals, and synthetic fragrances) and traditional contaminants (i.e., heavy metals, nutrients, and microbiological parameters) were analyzed, both in the river water and in the wastewater at the inlet and outlet of the WWTP, with the aim of evaluating removal efficiency and the risk for the riverine ecosystem. The results showed that wastewater treatment acts differently on the analyzed compounds, effectively removing nutrients, bacteria, few pharmaceuticals, and most heavy metals, but leaving others unchanged such as perfluorinated compounds and synthetic fragrances, that are thus discharged into the receiving river, especially during rain events due to the activation of sewer overflows. The calculation of the Risk Quotient for organic compounds confirmed the negative impact of the WWTP effluent on the chemical quality of the river water, with a consequent potential ecological risk for riverine biota. This study also verified that certain traditional contaminants (i.e., total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli), and contamination tracer (i.e., chloride (Cl), boron (B), and MBAS (Methylene Blue Active Substances) could be effectively measured in real time rather than through classical laboratory analysis and could support timely risk assessment. Full article

Given the underdevelopment and sensitivity of babies’ eyes, frequently used baby bath products have garnered attention for their ocular irritation safety. The selection and application of raw materials are key factors. We tested 39 commercial baby bath products for ocular irritation safety and proposed a novel evaluation method using the “Risk Attention Index” to analyze formulation risk factors. The ocular irritation potential of 39 commonly used raw materials under typical usage conditions was investigated via animal and cell models. Results showed over 20% of commercial products had safety risks. Surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and sodium lauroamphoacetate (SLA) had the highest “Risk Attention Index”, requiring special attention. Some fragrance components were also potential irritants. Combining SLES with panthenol, maltooligosyl glucoside/hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, and Tween^®-28 could significantly reduce its irritation in an animal model. The same ingredients from different sources led to inconsistent irritation results. This suggests that manufacturing processes of raw materials, in addition to their chemical properties, concentration, and combination methods, all influence the ocular irritation potential. This study provides key scientific evidence for assessing ocular irritation and developing low-irritation formulations in baby bath products, thereby enhancing product safety. Full article

The bioproduction of 2-phenylethanol (2-PE), a high-value aromatic compound widely used in the fragrance, cosmetic, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, through yeast fermentation offers a sustainable alternative to chemical synthesis and rose extraction. This study explores the fermentation of Yarrowia lipolytica strains using mixed agro-industrial by-products as substrates to produce 2-PE via de novo synthesis, without supplementation with the costly precursor L-phenylalanine. Y. lipolytica strains were genetically engineered to enhance flux through the shikimate pathway and enable the hydrolysis of a broader range of substrates. The culture media consisted solely of a mixture of agro-industrial by-products: sugar beet molasses (SBM), brewer’s spent grain (BSG) pressing extract, and chicory root (CR) pressing extract, serving as the primary carbon and nitrogen sources without the addition of nutrients, minerals, synthetic, complex ingredients, or costly additives. The co-culture approach enhanced substrate utilization, leading to an increase in 2-PE titers, reaching approximately 2.5 g/L 2-PE production after 240 h of fermentation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of integrating co-culture fermentation and agro-industrial waste valorization for sustainable 2-PE production, offering a scalable bioprocess for industrial applications. Full article

This study investigates the development of biodegradable, scented bio-composite filaments incorporating industrial residues, specifically spent coffee grounds (SCG) and lignin (LI), into a PLA matrix for FDM 3D printing. Two fragrance additives, essential oil (EO) and microencapsulated fragrance powder (FP), were introduced (3%) to enhance sensory properties. The research investigates the effects of filler content (5%, 10%, and 15%) and fragrance additives on the surface chemistry (FTIR), thermal stability (TGA and DSC), mechanical properties (Tensile, flexural and impact), microstructure, and dimensional stability (Water absorption test and thickness swelling). Incorporating industrial residues and additives into PLA reduced the thermal stability, the degradation temperature and the glass transition temperature but increased the residual mass and the crystallinity. The effect of lignin was more pronounced than that of SCG, significantly influencing these thermal properties. Increasing the filler content of spent coffee grounds and lignin also led to a progressive decrease in tensile, flexural, and impact strength due to poor interfacial adhesion and increased void formation. However, lignin-based biocomposites exhibited enhanced stiffness at lower concentrations (≤10%), while biocomposites containing 15% SCG doubled their elongation at break compared to pure PLA. Adding fragrance reduced the mechanical strength but improved ductility due to plasticizer-like interactions. Microstructural analysis revealed heterogeneity in the biocomposites’ fracture surface characterized by the presence of pores, filler agglomeration, and delamination, indicating uneven filler dispersion and limited interfacial adhesion, particularly at high filler concentrations. The water absorption and dimensional stability of 3D-printed biocomposites increased progressively with the addition of residues. The presence of essential oil slightly improved water resistance by forming hydrogen bonds that limited moisture absorption. This article adds significant value by extending the potential applications of biocomposites beyond conventional engineering uses, making them particularly suitable for the fashion and design sectors, where multi-sensory and sustainable materials are increasingly sought after. Full article

Terpenes, representing one of the most extensive classes of natural products, hold significant value in the fields of pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and biofuels. Extracting these compounds from natural sources is often environmentally unsustainable, and the structural diversity found in nature is inherently limited. Metabolic engineering using microbial hosts offers a scalable and sustainable alternative, utilizing optimized biosynthetic pathways—such as the mevalonate (MVA) and the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways—to achieve high-yield production of natural terpene scaffolds. This review focuses on the various strategies in developing microbial cell factories, ranging from enhancing precursor supply to optimizing terpene synthase systems. A new and promising frontier is the increase in structural diversity of terpenes by integration of non-biological chemical transformations into engineered biosynthetic pathways. We discuss the use of artificial metalloenzymes such as engineered cytochrome P450 variants that catalyze non-natural carbene transfer reactions (cyclopropanation). The merging of synthetic biology and synthetic chemistry goes beyond the normal synthesizing capabilities found in nature, which may pave the way for the design of “non-natural” terpenoids that contain new additions and better capabilities. Full article

To explore the patterns of essential oil synthesis and the optimal harvesting period of citral-type Camphora officinarum Nees ex Wall (C. officinarum) at different growth stages, three varieties (C1, C2, C3) from the citral-type C. officinarum coppice were taken as research objects. During the leaf growth cycle from February 2022 to January 2023 (12 periods in total), their morphological indicators, biomass, essential oil yield, chemical components, and output were determined. As a natural monoterpenoid widely used in the food additive, pharmaceutical intermediate, and flavor/fragrance industries, citral-related research is of great significance for improving the breeding value of citral-type C. officinarum germplasm resources. The results showed that: (1) The leaf area, total biomass, and leaf-branch ratio of the three varieties all reached the maximum in Period I (late August, full fruit stage), among which the leaf biomass and total biomass of C1 were significantly higher than those of C2 and C3. (2) The essential oil yield based on dry weight of leaves (0.53–2.79%) was significantly higher than that of branches (0.48–0.7%). Citral (geranial and neral) was the main component of the essential oil; the citral contents in C1 and C2 were the highest in Period G (late June, early fruit stage) (78.38% and 71.78%, respectively), while that in C3 peaked in Period F (late May, late flowering stage) (70.46%). (3) The total essential oil yield reached the peak in Period I, with C1 being significantly higher at 20.19 ± 1.88 g/plant than C2 (13.8 ± 0.61 g/plant) and C3 (16.47 ± 0.87 g/plant). Comprehensive analysis indicated that C1 was identified as the top-performing cultivar among citral-type C. officinarum, and July–August was the optimal harvest period. During this period, both essential oil yield and citral content could be balanced to maximize economic benefits. Full article

Background: Pedal fissures present challenges for affected individuals, from cosmetic concerns to potential infection risks. Urea 40% was previously a common treatment for pedal fissures, particularly in its prescription form, but its use has declined and it is now widely available over the counter and is no longer covered by many insurance plans. Alternatives to prescription urea 40% often contain additional ingredients, such as salicylic acid. Although a common exfoliant in dermatologic treatments, salicylic acid can cause burning and exacerbate irritation, particularly when used on pedal fissures, thus hindering healing. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of urea 40% compared with a novel skin barrier repair cream designed to address pedal fissures without the irritation while still providing healing results. The novel skin barrier repair cream uses natural ingredients without fragrances or dyes and incorporates hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated without breaking down the surrounding tissue. Methods: This double-blind study enrolled 48 participants who were assessed every 2 weeks over 28 days of treatment. Participants were divided into two groups, each receiving either urea 40% or the novel skin barrier repair cream for daily use. Follow-up visits included detailed records of xerosis and fissure progression, with parameters analyzed for comparative efficacy. Results: Significant improvement in function was observed in the group treated with the novel skin barrier repair cream. The results showed minimal statistical difference in healing between the novel skin barrier repair cream and urea 40% across all measured parameters. Conclusions: The novel skin barrier repair cream provides a comparably effective treatment for pedal fissures without additional side effects. This finding highlights the potential of the novel skin barrier repair cream as a viable alternative to the currently available over-thecounter formulations, addressing both effectiveness and affordability in managing pedal fissures. Full article

The instability of many volatile organic compounds (VOCs) limits their usage in different fragrance carriers and products. In scratch-and-sniff applications, VOCs are bound so strongly that release cannot happen without an external trigger. On the other hand, other fixatives like cyclodextrins release unstable volatile molecules too rapidly. We engineered biodegradable gelatin films whose release profile can be tuned by glycerol plasticization and alkaline protease degradation. Digitalized VOC release profiles acquired with the described near-real-time analysis toolkit are digital twins that replicate the behavior of the evaluated films in silico. Seven formulations were cast from 10% gelatin containing D-limonene, glycerol (5%, 20%), protease-C 30 kU mL⁻¹, and samples with additional water to establish a higher hydromodule for protease catalytic activity. Release profiles were monitored for nine days at 23 ± 2 °C in parallel by metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) e-noses, gravimetric weight loss, and near-infrared measurements (NIR). These continuous measurements were cross-checked with gel electrophoresis, FTIR spectroscopy, hardness tests, and sensory intensity ratings. Results showed acceleration of VOC release by enzymatic treatment during the first days, as well as overall impact on the release profile. Differences in low and high glycerol films were observed, and principal component analysis of NIR spectra separated low and high glycerol groups, mirroring the MOS and FTIR data. Usability of MOS data was explored in comparison to more biased and subjective intensity results from sensory panel evaluation. Overall, the created toolkit showed good cross-checked results and enabled the possibility for close to real-time analysis for bio-based VOC carriers. Full article