Search Results (554)

Ruminant livestock production plays a crucial role in the agricultural systems of Sub-Saharan Africa, significantly supporting rural livelihoods through income generation, improved nutrition, and employment opportunities. Despite its importance, the sector continues to face substantial challenges, such as low feed quality, seasonal feed shortages, and climate-related stresses, all of which limit productivity and sustainability. Considering these challenges, the adoption of natural feed additives has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance animal performance, optimise nutrient utilisation, and mitigate environmental impacts, including the reduction of enteric methane emissions. This review underscores the significant potential of natural feed additives such as plant extracts, essential oils, probiotics, and mineral-based supplements such as fossil shell flour as sustainable alternatives to conventional growth promoters in ruminant production systems across the region. All available documented evidence on the topic from 2000 to 2024 was collated and synthesised through standardised methods of systematic review protocol—PRISMA. Out of 319 research papers downloaded, six were included and analysed directly or indirectly in this study. The results show that the addition of feed additives to ruminant diets in all the studies reviewed significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth parameters such as average daily growth (ADG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. However, no significant (p > 0.05) effect was found on cold carcass weight (CCW), meat percentage, fat percentage, bone percentage, or intramuscular fat (IMF%) compared to the control. The available evidence indicates that these additives can provide tangible benefits, including improved growth performance, better feed efficiency, enhanced immune responses, and superior meat quality, while also supporting environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen excretion and decreasing dependence on antimicrobial agents. Full article

The modern livestock industry incorporates widely used antibiotic growth promoters into animal feed at sub-therapeutic levels to enhance growth performance and feed efficiency. However, this practice contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in livestock, which may be transmitted to humans through the food chain, thereby diminishing the efficacy of antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. Current research explores the potential of essential oils from derived medicinal plants as alternative phytobiotics. This review examines modern encapsulation strategies that incorporate essential oils into natural-origin matrices to improve their stability and control their release both in vitro and in vivo. We discuss a range of encapsulation approaches utilizing polysaccharides, gums, proteins, and lipid-based carriers. This review highlights the increasing demand for antibiotic alternatives in animal nutrition driven by regulatory restrictions, and the potential benefits of essential oils in enhancing feed palatability and stabilizing the intestinal microbiome in monogastric animals and ruminants. Additionally, we address the economic viability and encapsulation efficiency of different matrix formulations. Full article

Weed management remains a critical challenge in the U.S. container ornamental production industry, where weeds not only compete with crops for limited resources but also harbor pests and pathogens, thereby diminishing plant quality and marketability. The paper explores the economic impact of weed infestations, herbicide resistance development, and the limited availability of selective herbicides for ornamental crops in the United States. This review synthesizes current chemical weed control tactics, focusing not only on both preemergence and postemergence herbicides commonly used in ornamental nurseries, but also organic alternatives and integrated weed management (IWM) approaches as complementary strategies by evaluating their effectiveness, crop safety, and usage. There is a critical need for research in the areas of alternative chemical options such as insecticides, miticides (e.g., Zerotol and Tetra Curb Max), and organic products for liverwort control in greenhouses. Although essential oils and plant-based extracts show some potential, their effectiveness and practical use remain largely unexplored. Full article

This study evaluated the influence of compost and bioinoculants (mycorrhizal fungi and plant growth-promoting bacteria) on the yield and composition of essential oil extracted from Tanacetum balsamita L. over two growing seasons. The plants were cultivated under four treatments: compost, bioinoculants, a combination (bioinoculants + compost), and a control. At each harvest, essential oil was extracted from fresh leaves via stem-flow distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with single quadrupole mass spectrometry. Twenty to twenty-four compounds were identified. Based on the dominant terpene derivative, the results indicated that Tanacetum balsamita L. cultivated in Italy belongs to “camphor” chemotype, a pharmacologically active compound known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Moreover, three compounds, α-, β-phellandrene and myrtenol, were identified as typical of Tanacetum balsamita L. cultivated in Italy. Treatment effects were significant for some compounds (camphor, borneol, terpinen-4-ol, α-terpineol, dehydro sabinene ketone, and 3-thujanol), and the interaction between treatment and year was significant for a few compounds (borneol, terpinen-4-ol, dehydro sabinene ketone, 1,8-cineol, and 3-thujanol). These results emphasize the need to account for seasonal variation and underline the necessity of a deeper understanding of how experimental factors interact with them, especially in long-term essential oil studies. Full article

The plant-based oil industry contributes significantly to food waste/by-products in the form of underutilized biomass, including oil pomace, cake/meal, seeds, peels, wastewater, etc. These waste/by-products contain a significant quantity of nutritious and bioactive compounds (phenolics, lignans, flavonoids, dietary fiber, proteins, and essential minerals) with proven health-promoting effects. The utilization of them as natural, cost-effective, and food-grade functional ingredients in novel food formulations holds considerable potential. This review highlights the potential of waste/by-products generated during plant-based oil processing as a promising source of bioactive compounds and covers systematic research, including recent studies focusing on innovative extraction and processing techniques. It also sheds light on their promising potential for valorization as food ingredients, with a focus on specific examples of food fortification. Furthermore, the potential for value creation in the food industry is emphasized, taking into account associated challenges and limitations, as well as future perspectives. Overall, the current information suggests that the valorization of plant-based oil industry waste and by-products for use in the food industry could substantially reduce malnutrition and poverty, generate favorable health outcomes, mitigate environmental concerns, and enhance economic profit in a sustainable way by developing health-promoting, environmentally sustainable food systems. Full article

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 conventional agricultural industry largely relies on pesticides to maintain healthy and viable crops. Application of fungicides, both pre- and post-harvest of crops, is the go-to method for avoiding and eliminating Botrytis cinerea, the fungal pathogen responsible for gray mold. However, conventional fungicides and their residues have purported negative environmental and health impacts. Natural products, such as essential oils, are viewed as a promising alternative to conventional fungicides. The current research is an in vitro study on the antifungal activity of a natural water-based fungicide (N.F.), which uses a blend of essential oils (ajowan, cassia, clove, eucalyptus, lemongrass, oregano) as the active ingredients against B. cinerea. Compared to conventional fungicides tested at the same concentration (50 μL/mL), those with active ingredients of myclobutanil or propiconazole; the N.F. demonstrated significant (F(3,16) = 54, p = <0.001) and complete fungal growth inhibition. While previous research has largely focused on the antifungal properties of single essential oils and/or isolated compounds from essential oils, this research focuses on the efficacy of using a blend of essential oils in a proprietary delivery system. This research is of importance to the fields of agronomy, ecology, and health sciences. Full article

The aim of this study was to determine the intraspecific variability among 11 wild-growing populations of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.) originating from Central Europe and preserved in the Polish Genebank Collection. The populations were introduced into ex situ conditions, and assessed in terms of selected developmental and chemical traits (essential oil, phenolic acids, polyphenols, and tannins content). Developmental observations and harvest of raw materials were carried out in the second year of plant vegetation, at the beginning of flowering. The populations exhibited significant differences. The greatest variability was observed in the number of shoots per plant (38–51) and dry mass of herb per plant (0.83–1.60 kg). Essential oil (EO) content ranged from 0.75 to 1.69 g/100 g dry weight (DW). A total of 41 compounds were identified in the EOs, with oxygenated monoterpenes (such as sabinyl acetate, cis-chrysanthenol, chrysantenyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, α- and β-thujone) as dominants, showing considerable variation among populations. Based on the EO profiles, several chemotypes were distinguished, mainly (1) a pure sabinyl acetate chemotype; (2) mixed chemotypes with sabinyl acetate accompanied by β-myrcene, cis-chrysanthenol, chrysanthenyl acetate, or 1,8-cineole; and (3) a thujone chemotype. The total content of phenolic acids (expressed as caffeic acid equivalent), tannins, and polyphenols (as pyrogallol equivalent) varied significantly, too (0.37–0.50; 0.10–0.26; 0.58–0.79%, respectively). The results confirm a high level of intraspecific variability in both developmental and chemical traits of A. absinthium populations originating from Poland. This diversity may be valuable for future breeding programs and for the selection of populations with desired phytochemical profiles for medicinal, food, and agricultural applications. It is worth noting that the floristic diversity among populations indicates the habitat heterogeneity, ranging from natural or semi-natural (populations 1, 6) to more anthropogenically influenced ones (populations 2, 4, 5, 7–11). Full article

The present study compared the adsorption properties of two plant materials and the waste products after their essential oil extraction for removing Cu(II) ions from contaminated water. Methods like SEM, XRD, nitrogen adsorption, DTA, TGA, FTIR, and XPS were used for characterization of the materials. All materials showed similar porosity and structure, favoring Cu(II) biosorption. The effects of contact time, pH, temperature, sample amount, and initial metal concentration on Cu(II) removal were examined. Optimal pH was 4, with equilibrium reached in less than 10 min. Temperature and sample amount do not significantly influence the biosorption. The experimental data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models, and maximum adsorption capacities were calculated. The four plant materials proved to be effective biosorbents for removing copper ions from contaminated water. Desorption experiments using 1 M HNO₃ and 0.1 M EDTA showed 100% recovery. The reusability of the most effective biosorbent was confirmed through four adsorption/desorption cycles with EDTA. This material was also used to study the possibilities of purifying a real sample of contaminated water. Full article

Microbial biofilms present a formidable challenge in ophthalmology. Their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and evasion of host immune defenses significantly complicate treatments for ocular infections such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, blepharitis, and endophthalmitis. These infections are often caused by pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly in patients using contact lenses or intraocular implants—devices that serve as surfaces for biofilm formation. The global rise in antimicrobial resistance has intensified the search for alternative treatment modalities. In this regard, plant-derived antimicrobials have emerged as promising candidates demonstrating broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity through different mechanisms from those of conventional antibiotics. These mechanisms include inhibiting quorum sensing, disrupting established biofilm matrices, and interfering with microbial adhesion and communication. However, the clinical translation of phytochemicals faces significant barriers, including variability in chemical composition due to environmental and genetic factors, difficulties in standardization and reproducibility, poor water solubility and ocular bioavailability, and a lack of robust clinical trials evaluating their efficacy and safety in ophthalmic settings. Furthermore, regulatory uncertainties and the absence of unified guidelines for approving plant-derived formulations further hinder their integration into evidence-based ophthalmic practice. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on the pathogenesis and treatment of biofilm-associated ocular infections, critically evaluating plant-based antimicrobials as emerging therapeutic agents. Notably, resveratrol, curcumin, abietic acid, and selected essential oils demonstrated notable antibiofilm activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. These findings support the potential of phytochemicals as adjunctive or alternative agents in managing biofilm-associated ocular infections. By highlighting both their therapeutic promise and translational limitations, this review contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable, innovative approaches to managing antibiotic-resistant ocular infections. Full article

The genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) is characterized by complex taxonomy and controversial phylogeny. This genus includes about a thousand species with worldwide distribution and high ecological, structural, functional and morphological diversity. Because of their high content of essential oils, various Salvia plants are widely used in medicine, as well as in the food, perfume, cosmetic, and paint industries; they also are valuable melliferous resources. The present study reviews the taxonomic history of the genus Salvia and the phylogenetic relationships between the taxa within the subgenera Salvia, Sclarea, and Glutinaria. Among the Salvia species, three basic chromosome numbers, x = 7, x = 8, and x = 11, were most common, although other basic chromosome numbers (x = 6–19) were determined, which was probably due to events of dysploidy, aneupoidy, and/or polyploidy occurring during speciation. Recent molecular cytogenetic studies based on Next Generation Sequencing technologies have clarified the chromosomal organization of several Salvia species. The patterns of chromosome distribution of 45S rDNA, 5S rDNA, and satellite DNAs made it possible to assess their intra- and interspecific chromosome diversity. However, further cytogenetic studies are needed to characterize the chromosomes in the genomes of other Salvia species and specify the genomic relationships among them. Full article

The world’s energy demand increases daily, fostering the search for renewable fuels to reconcile production needs with environmental sustainability. To prevent the severe atmospheric impact of fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is both essential and urgent, reinforcing the necessity of developing and adopting renewable fuel alternatives. Therefore, this work aimed to produce bio-oil through sugarcane bagasse fast pyrolysis. The methodology is based on fast pyrolysis operation in a fluidized bed reactor (pilot plant) as a thermochemical method for bio-oil production. This research required the conditioning of the raw material for system feeding, along with optimizing key variables, operating temperature, airflow, and sugarcane bagasse feed rate, to achieve improved yields compared to previous studies conducted in this pilot plant. The sugarcane bagasse was conditioned through drying and milling, followed by characterization using various analytical methods, including calorific value, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), particle size analysis by laser diffraction (Mastersizer—MS), and ultimate analysis (determining carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen by difference). The bio-oil produced showed promising yield results, with a maximum estimated value of 61.64%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the presence of aromatic compounds, as well as ester, ether, carboxylic acid, ketone, and alcohol functional groups. Full article

There are growing health concerns regarding high-fat meat products. This study systematically evaluated the quality of reformulated chicken sausages through progressive substitution (30%, 60%, and 90%) of traditional pork-back fat with an Agaricus bisporus–soybean oil complex. The 60% substitution optimized texture, fatty acids, and sensory properties: hardness increased from 4332.38 N (control) to 5810.04 N, and chewiness from 3048.55 N to 3896.93 N. Linoleic acid (C18:2n6) rose from 13.00 to 32.81 g/100 g and α-linolenic acid (C18:3n3) from 0.60 to 3.05 g/100 g, improving the PUFA/SFA ratio from 0.40 to 1.15). Sensory scores (flavor/taste/overall) increased from 6.0/5.1/6.6 to 7.2/5.6/7.4. After 35-day storage, TBARS values (0.161, 0.147, 0.126 mg/100 g for 30%/60%/90% groups) remained below the control (0.232 mg/100 g). Meanwhile, the reduced-fat sausages exhibited a deeper, less saturated red hue. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed an enhanced network structure in the sausage matrix. The reformulated sausages maintained essential product characteristics such as cooking yield, moisture retention, protein content, and amino acid profile while achieving a 9.5–16.1% reduction in energy value. These findings collectively demonstrate that the A. bisporus–soybean oil complex effectively enhances the product quality, nutrition, antioxidant capacity, and sensory quality of reduced-fat chicken sausages, demonstrating this plant-based composite as a promising functional ingredient for developing healthier meat products. Full article

Walnut gluten (WGLU) is a plant-based protein rich in essential amino acids for the human body. Due to its poor water solubility and functional properties, its application in the food industry is limited. For the first time, this study looks into how different durations (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 s) of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) treatment affect the structure and functional properties of WGLU. ACP processing destroys the spatial structure of the WGLU and alters its functional properties. The comprehensive performance reached its best after 60 s of ACP treatment, the main manifestations included increased β-sheet content, reduced α-helix content, and unfolding of the tertiary structure, which ultimately improved the stability of emulsification and foam. Meanwhile, the solubility (86.35%), water retention rate (2.15 g/g), oil retention rate (5.31 g/g), emulsification rate (10.59 m²/g), and foaming rate (24.67%) of WGLU reached their maximum values. However, longer treatment times (90 and 120 s) induce WGLU aggregation, followed by decreased functional properties. In summary, the physicochemical and functional properties of WGLU can be significantly enhanced through ACP treatment, enhancing the bioavailability of gluten and providing an effective strategy for its application in food processing. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the stabilization of natural biologically active compounds in order to expand their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Such compounds, such as polyphenols, essential fatty acids, or vitamins, are extremely sensitive to environmental factors. This study aims to review the spray-drying-based microencapsulation technology and its application for stabilizing sensitive biologically active substances. Methods: This article systematically analyzes the main steps of the spray-drying microencapsulation process and discusses traditional and innovative wall materials, including natural polymers (polysaccharides and proteins), as well as new raw material sources (e.g., yeast cells, canola and pea protein isolates, and hemicelluloses). It also examines the potential of these systems for the stimulated release of active ingredients. Results: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main stages of the spray-drying process and critically examines both conventional (e.g., maltodextrin and gum Arabic) and innovative wall materials (e.g., plant-based proteins and food industry by-products). Studies show that using different wall materials can achieve high encapsulation efficiency, improve the stability of biologically active substances, and control their release. Various compounds have been successfully microencapsulated—polyphenols, essential oils, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins—protecting them from oxidation, light, and temperature. The review identifies key factors that can enhance product quality, increase encapsulation yield, and reduce processing costs and energy input—offering meaningful insights for optimizing the microencapsulation process. Conclusions: Spray-drying-based microencapsulation is an advanced technology that effectively protects sensitive active ingredients and allows for wider industrial food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. In the future, more attention is expected to be paid to personalized formulations, stimulated release systems, and sustainable wall materials from by-products. Full article