Myrtus communis leaves: source of bio - actives, traditional use, their biological properties, and prospects / Hojas de Myrtus communis: fuente de bioactivos, uso tradicional, sus propiedades biológicas y perspectivas

Myrtus communis L., commonly known as true myrtle, is a medicinal plant native to the Mediterranean area. Since ancient times, the inhabitant s of this area have been using it for its cultural and medicinal properties. Because of the vast diversity of biomolecules in its aerial parts, it exhibits several biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. This review retrospect the research on the source, biological activities with empirical evidence, chemical composition, applications, and cellular targets of extracts and essential oils obtained from M. communis leaves, which provides a perspective for further studies on the applications and formulations of extract and EO of M. communis leaves. The efficacy of constituents' individually, in association with other bioactive constituents, or in combination with available commercial drugs would provide insights in to the development of these bio - actives as future drugs and their evolving future potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and aroma industries.

Myrtus communis L., comúnmente conocido como arrayán verdadero, es una planta medicinal originaria de la zona mediterránea. Desde la antigüedad, los habitantes de esta zona lo utilizan por sus propiedades culturales y medicinales. Debido a la gran div ersidad de biomoléculas en sus partes aéreas, exhibe varias propiedades biológicas, incluidas propiedades antioxidantes, antimicrobianas y anticancerígenas. Esta revisión retrospectiva de la investigación sobre la fuente, las actividades biológicas con evi dencia empírica, la composición química, las aplicaciones y los objetivos celulares de los extractos y aceites esenciales obtenidos de las hojas de M. communis , lo que brinda una perspectiva para futuros estudios sobre las aplicaciones y formulaciones de l os extractos y EO de M. communis . La eficacia de los componentes individualmente, en asociación con otros componentes bioactivos o en combinación con medicamentos comerciales disponibles proporcionaría información sobre el desarrollo de estos bioactivos co mo medicamentos futuros y sus futuras aplicaciones potenciales en las industrias farmacéutica, alimentaria y aromática

Actividad repelente e insecticida de cuatro aceites esenciales de plantas recolectadas en Chocó-Colombia contra Tribolium castaneum / Repellent and insecticidal activity of four essential oils from plants recolleted in Chocó-Colombia against Tribolium castaneum

This study aimed to determine the repellent and insecticidal activity of four essential oils (EOs) from plants collected in the Chocó rain forest, Colombia, against T. castaneum . Conventional hydrodistillation was used to obtain the EOs. The repellent and insecticidal activities were evaluated by the preference area and gas dispersion methods, espectively. Statistical differences (p<0.05) were determined by applying a student's t-test. EOs of Siparuna guianensis, S. conica, Piper marginatum, and Nectandra acutifolia showed excellent repellent properties as the main findings, highlighting S. conicaEO with 84% repellency (1-hµL/cm2), while P. marginatum showed to be bioactive to the dose of 500 µL/mL (72 h), inducing mortality of 100% of the exposed population. In conclusion, the results evidenced the repellent properties of the EOs evaluated against T. castaneum , which allows us to conclude that these plant species are potential natural sources producing bio-repellents that contribute to the integrated control of T. castaneum.

Se evaluaron cuatro aceites esenciales (AEs) de plantas recolectadas en la selva pluvial del Chocó, Colombia, para determinar su actividad repelente e insecticida contra T. castaneum. Los AEs fueron obtenidos por hidrodestilación convencional. Las actividades repelentes e insecticidas se evaluaron por los métodos de área de preferencia y dispersión de gas, respectivamente. Las diferencias significativas (p<0,05) fueron determinadas aplicando una prueba t de student. Los AEs de Siparuna guianensis, S. conica, Piper marginatum y Nectandra acutifolia mostraron excelentes propiedades repelentes, destacando el AE de S. conicacon un 84% de repelencia (1µL/cm2), mientras que el AE de P. marginatummostró ser bioactivo a la dosis de 500 µL/mL (72 h) al inducir la mortalidad del 100% de la población expuesta. Se concluye que estas especies de plantas son fuentes naturales potencialmente viables para la producción de biorepelentes que contribuyan en el control integrado de T. castaneum.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the highlands of Ecuador / Composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial de las partes aéreas de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivado en las tierras altas del Ecuador

Thechemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil from aerial parts (leaves and flowers) of Chuquiraga arcuataHarling grown in the Ecuadorian Andes were studied. One hundred and twenty-six compounds were identified in the essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (45.8%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (44.1%) had the major percentages. The most abundant compounds were camphor (21.6%), myrcene (19.5%), and 1,8-cineole (13.4%). Antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, ABTS,and FRAP assays. The essential oil had a moderate scavenging effect and reduction of ferric ion capacity through FRAP assay. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was observed against four pathogenic bacteria and a fungus. The essential oil exhibited activity against all microorganism strains under test, particularly against Candida albicansand Staphylococcus aureuswith MICs of 2.43-12.10 µg/mL.

Se estudió la composición química, actividades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas del aceite esencial procedente de las partes aérea (hojas y flores) de Chuquiraga arcuataHarling cultivadas en los Andes ecuatorianos. Se identificaron 126 compuestos en el aceite esencial. Los hidrocarburos monoterpénicos (45,8%) y los monoterpenos oxigenados (44,1%) tuvieron el mayor porcentaje. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron alcanfor (21,6%), mirceno (19,5%) y 1,8-cineol (13,4%). La actividadantioxidante se examinó mediante ensayos DPPH, ABTS y FRAP. El aceite esencial tuvo un efecto eliminador moderado y una reducción de la capacidad de iones férricos mediante el ensayo FRAP. Se observó actividad antimicrobiana del aceite esencial contra cuatro bacterias y un hongo patógenos. El aceite esencial mostró actividad contra todas las cepas de microorganismos bajo prueba, particularmente contra Candida albicansy Staphylococcus aureuscon CMI de 2,43-12,10 µg/mL.

Citral in lemon myrtle, lemongrass, litsea, and melissa essential oils suppress the growth and invasion of breast cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Although cancer therapy suppresses recurrence and prolongs life, it may be accompanied by strong side effects; thus, there is a strong demand for the development effective treatments with fewer side effects. Cancer therapy using plant-derived essential oils is attracting attention as one promising method. This study investigated the antitumor effects of essential oil volatiles on breast cancer cells and identifies four essential oils that display antitumor activity. METHODS: Breast cancer cells were cultured in a 96-well plate, then one of twenty essential oils was added dropwise to the central well. The plate was incubated at 37 °C for 48 h and the effect of the volatile components of each essential oil on the surrounding breast cancer cell growth ability was examined using an MTT assay. Gas chromatography was used to investigate the concentration of the transpiration components that may affect cancer cells. RESULTS: Of the 20 essential oils, Lemongrass, Lemon myrtle, Litsea, and Melissa displayed strong anti-tumor effects. These essential oils inhibited the growth of nearby breast cancer cells, even when diluted more than 500-fold. The transpiration component of lemon Myrtle showed the strongest antitumor effect, but was the least cytotoxic to mononuclear cells in normal peripheral blood (PBMC). Each of these essential oils contained a very large amount of citral. The IC50 against breast cancer cells when citral was volatilized from each essential oil was 1.67 µL/mL for geranial and 1.31 µL/mL for neral. Volatilized citral alone showed strong anti-proliferation and infiltration-inhibiting effects. CONCLUSION: The transpiration components of Lemongrass, Lemon myrtle, Litsea, and Melissa are thought to inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation due to their high levels of citral.

Enhancing Therapeutic Efficacy of Cinnamon Essential Oil by Nanoemulsification for Intravaginal Treatment of Candida Vaginitis.

Background: Due to its prevalence, recurrence, and the emergence of drug-resistance, Candida vaginitis significantly impacts the well-being of women. Although cinnamon essential oil (CEO) possesses antifungal activity, its hydrophobic properties limit its clinical application. Purpose: To overcome this challenge, a nanoemulsification technology was employed to prepare cinnamon essential oil-nanoemulsion (CEO@NE), and its therapeutic efficacy and action mechanism for Candida vaginitis was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Materials and Methods: CEO@NE, composed of 4% CEO, 78% distilled water, and 18% Tween 80, was prepared by ultrasonic nanoemulsification. The physical properties, anti-Candida activity, cytotoxicity, immunomodulatory potential and storage stability of CEO@NE were explored. Subsequently, the effect of intravaginal CEO@NE treatment on Candida vaginitis was investigated in mice. To comprehend the possible mechanism of CEO@NE, an analysis was conducted to ascertain the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans. Results: CEO@NE, with the droplet size less than 100 nm and robust storage stability for up to 8 weeks, exhibited comparable anti-Candida activity with CEO. CEO@NE at the concentration lower than 400 µg/mL had no cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects on murine splenocytes. Intravaginal treatment of CEO@NE (400 µg/mL, 20 µL/day/mouse for 5 consecutive days) curbed Candida colonization, ameliorated histopathological changes, and suppressed inflammatory cytokine production in mice intravaginally challenged with C. albicans. Notably, this treatment preserved the density of vaginal lactic acid bacteria (LAB) crucial for vaginal health. Co-culturing C. albicans with CEO@NE revealed concentration-dependent augmentation of intracellular ROS generation and ensuing cell death. In addition, co-culturing LPS-stimulated murine splenocytes with CEO@NE yielded a decrease in the generation of cytokines. Conclusion: This discovery provides insight into the conceivable antifungal and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of CEO@NE to tackle Candida vaginitis. CEO@NE offers a promising avenue to address the limitations of current treatments, providing novel strategy for treating Candida vaginitis.

Comparative analysis of essential oil efficacy against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae).

This study evaluated the potential repellent and acaricidal effects of 4 essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint) against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, a vector of various tick-borne diseases in medical and veterinary contexts. Selected for their potential repellent and acaricidal properties, the 4 essential oils were tested on adult and nymph H. longicornis ticks at different concentrations. The experiment assessed mortality rates and repellency, particularly during tick attachment to host skin. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in tick mortality and repellency scores across all groups. At a 1% concentration, adult tick mortality ranged from 36% to 86%, while nymph mortality ranged from 6% to 97%. Clove oil exhibited notable efficacy, demonstrating high mortality rates of nymphs and adults. Clove oil also displayed strong repellency properties, with a repellency index of 0.05, surpassing those of mint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. Clove oil showed the highest effectiveness in deterring nonattached adult ticks (90%) and nymphs (95%) when applied to skin. Clove oil was the most effective against adult and nymph ticks, achieving mortality rates of 86% and 97%, respectively, and led to the highest nonattachment rates when applied to skin. In conclusion, essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint oils present promising results for tick population control.

Bioactivities and Synergistic Effect of Elsholtzia ciliata Essential Oil and Its Main Components against Lasioderma serricorne.

Investigations have shown that storage bugs seriously harm grains during storage. In the interim, essential oils (EOs) have been proven to be a good botanical pesticide. The anti-Lasioderma serricorne properties of Elsholtzia ciliata essential oil, which was obtained by steam distillation, were evaluated using DL-limonene, carvone, and their two optical isomer components using contact, repelling, and fumigation techniques. Simultaneously, the fumigation, contact, and repellent activities of carvone and its two optical isomers mixed with DL-limonene against L. serruricorne were evaluated. The results showed that E. ciliata, its main components (R-carvone, DL-limonene), and S-carvone exhibited both fumigations (LC50 = 14.47, 4.42, 20.9 and 3.78 mg/L) and contact (LD50 = 7.31, 4.03, 28.62 and 5.63 µg/adult) activity against L.serricorne. A binary mixture (1:1) of R-carvone and DL-limonene displayed an obvious synergistic effect. A binary mixture (1:1) of carvone and its two optical isomers exhibited an obvious synergistic effect, too. Furthermore, the repellent activity of the EO, carvone, and its two optical isomers, DL-limonene, and a combination of them varied. To stop insect damage during storage, E. ciliata and its components can be utilized as bio-insecticides.

Phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane-extracted oil from four umbelliferous vegetables using GC/MS analysis in the context of antibacterial activity.

Umbelliferous (Apiaceae) vegetables are widely consumed worldwide for their nutritive and health benefits. The main goal of the current study is to explore the compositional heterogeneity in four dried umbelliferous vegetables viz, celery, coriander, dill, and parsley targeting their volatile profile using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 133 volatile metabolites were detected belonging to 12 classes. Aromatic hydrocarbons were detected as the major components of the analyzed vegetables accounting ca. 64.0, 62.4, 59.5, and 47.8% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Aliphatic hydrocarbons were detected at ca. 6.39, 8.21, 6.16, and 6.79% in parsley, dill, celery, and coriander, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of various health benefits were detected in parsley and represented by roughanic acid and α-linolenic acid at 4.99 and 0.47%, respectively. Myristicin and frambinone were detected only in parsley at 0.45 and 0.56%. Investigation of antibacterial activity of umbelliferous vegetables n-hexane extract revealed a moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with higher activity for celery and dill against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone 20.3 mm compared to 24.3 mm of the standard antibacterial drug.

The chemical profiles and cytotoxicity of gaharu bouya oil from Borneo's Gonystylus bancanus wood.

Gaharu bouya oil obtained from distillation of the woods from Gonystylus genus has attracted essential oil industry interest. However, the information about gaharu bouya essential oil profile is limited. The presence of Gonystylus species is also critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. Therefore, exploring the -omics profiles of Gonystylus bancanus, a native plant from Borneo Island, is important for Indonesia to conserve the population. This research investigated the metabolite profiling of G. bancanus oil, especially the volatile components of its essential oils. Distillations were performed in two technical ways: hydrodistillation on a laboratory scale and steam distillation on an industrial scale. According to LC-MS and GC-MS profiles, both essential oils displayed similar chemical compositions. This article also discusses the similarity of the chemical contents of gaharu bouya oil and agarwood oil from the gaharu superior type (Aquilaria) to support the value of the oil. This research also investigated the cytotoxicity of gaharu bouya oil against three cell lines: HeLa, MCF-7, and HT-29.

Supercritical Fluid-extracted Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. Essential Oil Nanoemulsion: Preparation, Characterization, and Its Sleep-promoting Effect.

To overcome the defects of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara Engl. essential oil (CAEO), such as high volatility and poor stability, supercritical fluid-extracted CAEO nanoemulsion (SFE-CAEO-NE) was prepared by the microemulsification method. Emulsifiers comprising Tween 80, polyoxyethylenated castor oil (EL-40), and 1,2-hexanediol, and an oil phase containing SFE-CAEO were used for microemulsification. We examined the physicochemical properties of SFE-CAEO-NE and steam distillation-extracted CAEO nanoemulsion (SDE-CAEO-NE), which were prepared using different concentrations of the emulsifiers. The mean particle size and zeta potential were 21.52 nm and -9.82 mV, respectively, for SFE-CAEO-NE, and 30.58 nm and -6.28 mV, respectively, for SDE-CAEO-NE, at an emulsifier concentration of 15% (w/w). SFE-CAEO-NE displayed better physicochemical properties compared with SDE-CAEO-NE. Moreover, its physicochemical properties were generally stable at different temperatures (-20-60℃), pH (3-8), and ionic strengths (0-400 mM). No obvious variations in particle size, zeta potential, and Ke were observed after storing this nanoemulsion for 30 days at 4℃, 25℃, and 40℃, suggesting that it had good stability. The sleep-promoting effect of SFE-CAEO-NE was evaluated using a mouse model of insomnia. The results of behavioral tests indicated that SFE-CAEO-NE ameliorated insomnia-like behavior. Moreover, SFE-CAEO- NE administration increased the serum concentrations of neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine and γ-aminobutyric acid, and decreased that of noradrenaline in mice. It also exerted a reparative effect on the function of damaged neurons. Overall, SFE-CAEO-NE displayed a good sleep-promoting effect.

Chemical Composition, Anti-bacterial Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of Essential Oil Isolated from Sa Sam Nam (Launaea sarmentosa).

Launaea sarmentosa, also known as Sa Sam Nam, is a widely used remedy in Vietnamese traditional medicine and cuisine. However, the chemical composition and bioactivity of its essential oil have not been elucidated yet. In this study, we identified 40 compounds (98.6% of total peak area) in the essential oil via GC-MS analysis at the first time. Among them, five main compounds including Thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether (52.4%), (E)-α-Atlantone (9.0%), Neryl isovalerate (6.6%), Davanol D2 (isomer 2) (3.9%), and trans-Sesquisabinene hydrate (3.9%) have accounted for 75.8% of total peak area. The anti-bacterial activity of the essential oil against 4 microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has also investigated via agar well diffusion assay. The results showed that the essential oil exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with the inhibition zones ranging from 8.2 to 18.7 mm. To elucidate the anti-bacterial effect mechanism of the essential oil, docking study of five main compounds of the essential oil (Thymohydroquinone dimethyl ether, (E)-α-Atlantone, Neryl isovalerate, Davanol D2 (isomer 2), and trans-Sesquisabinene hydrate) against some key proteins for bacterial growth such as DNA gyrase B, penicillin binding protein 2A, tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase, and dihydrofolate reductase were performed. The results showed that the main constituents of essential oil were highly bound with penicillin binding protein 2A with the free energies ranging -27.7 to -44.8 kcal/mol, which suggests the relationship between the antibacterial effect of essential oil and the affinity of main compounds with penicillin binding protein. In addition, the free energies of main compounds of the essential oil with human cyclooxygenase 1, cyclooxygenase 2, and phospholipase A2, the crucial proteins related with inflammatory response were less than diclofenac, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug. These findings propose the essential oil as a novel and promising anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory medicine or cosmetic products.

Application of Cinnamomum burmannii Essential Oil in Promoting Wound Healing.

Skin wounds, leading to infections and death, have a huge negative impact on healthcare systems around the world. Antibacterial therapy and the suppression of excessive inflammation help wounds heal. To date, the application of wound dressings, biologics and biomaterials (hydrogels, epidermal growth factor, stem cells, etc.) is limited due to their difficult and expensive preparation process. Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & T. Nees) Blume is an herb in traditional medicine, and its essential oil is rich in D-borneol, with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is not clear whether Cinnamomum burmannii essential oil has the function of promoting wound healing. This study analyzed 32 main components and their relative contents of essential oil using GC-MS. Then, network pharmacology was used to predict the possible targets of this essential oil in wound healing. We first proved this essential oil's effects in vitro and in vivo. Cinnamomum burmannii essential oil could not only promote the proliferation and migration of skin stromal cells, but also promote M2-type polarization of macrophages while inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study explored the possible mechanism by which Cinnamomum burmannii essential oil promotes wound healing, providing a cheap and effective strategy for promoting wound healing.

Chemical composition and anti-angiogenic activity of the essential oil from Blumea eriantha D.C.

Blumea eriantha D.C is a weed from Asteraceae family and is reported to have anticancer activity. The essential oil from the aerial parts was extracted by steam distillation method with the yield of 0.36%. Through GC-MS analysis of the oil, seventeen compounds could be identified by comparing with linear retention indices with the library. Out of the seventeen compounds ß-Caryophylline oxide was isolated by column chromatography with gradient elution and the structure was determined through FT-IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13 C NMR and DEPT. The oil was evaluated for its effect on angiogenesis using Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay (CAM Assay). The concentration dependent antiangiogenic effect was observed with IC 50 value of 19.28 ppm.

Lippia grata Essential Oil Acts Synergistically with Ampicillin Against Staphylococcus aureus and its Biofilm.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a global challenge as microorganisms evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics. In addition, the improper use of antibiotics significantly contributes to the AMR acceleration. Essential oils have garnered attention for their antimicrobial potential. Indeed, essential oils extracted from plants contain compounds that exhibit antibacterial activity, including against resistant microorganisms. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the essential oil (EO) extracted from Lippia grata and its combination with ampicillin against Staphylococcus aureus strains (ATCC 25923, ATCC 700698, and JKD6008). The plant material (leaves) was gathered in Mossoro, RN, and the EO was obtained using the hydrodistillation method with the Clevenger apparatus. The antimicrobial activity of the EO was assessed through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated by measuring biomass using crystal violet (CV) staining, viable cell counting, and analysis of preformed biofilms. In addition, the synergistic effects of the EO in combination with ampicillin were examined by scanning electron and confocal microscopy. The EO displayed a MIC value of 2.5 mg/mL against all tested S. aureus strains and an MBC only against S. aureus JKD6008 at 2.5 mg/mL. L. grata EO caused complete biofilm inhibition at concentrations ranging from 10 to 0.312 mg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 25923 and 10 to 1.25 mg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 700698 and S. aureus JKD6008. In the viable cell quantification assay, there was a reduction in CFU ranging from 1.0 to 8.0 logs. The combination of EO with ampicillin exhibited a synergistic effect against all strains. Moreover, the combination showed a significantly inhibiting biofilm formation and eradicating preformed biofilms. Furthermore, the EO and ampicillin (individually and in combination) altered the cellular morphology of S. aureus cells. Regarding the mechanism, the results revealed that L. grata EO increased membrane permeability and caused significant membrane damage. Concerning the synergy mechanism, the results revealed that the combination of EO and ampicillin increases membrane permeability and causes considerable membrane damage, further inhibiting bacteria synergistically. The findings obtained here suggest that L. grata EO in combination with ampicillin could be a viable treatment option against S. aureus infections, including MRSA strain.

Effect of common horsetail extract on growth characteristics, essential oil yield and chemical compositions of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.).

To investigate the effect of horsetail extract containing high silicon on morphological traits, growth, content, and compositions of essential oil of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) an experiment turned into carried out in the shape of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Foliar treatment of horsetail extract with zero, 0.5, 1, and 2% concentrations was applied on 6-8 leaf plants. The assessed traits include plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of sub-branches, leaf area index, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, total anthocyanin, the content of total phenol and total flavonoid, antioxidant activity, essential oil content, and compounds were measured. The findings demonstrated that the increase of silicon-containing horsetail extract enhanced the improved increase in growth and phytochemical trait values. The use of horsetail extract in the 2% treatment increased plant height, the number of leaves per plant, the number of sub-branches, leaf area index, fresh weight, and dry weight of the plant by 49.79, 45.61, 91.09, 99.78, 52.78 and 109.25%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest content of total phenol (2.12 mg GAE/g DW), total flavonoid (1.73 mg RE/g DW), total anthocyanin (0.83 mg C3G/g DW), and antioxidant activity (184.3 µg/ml) was observed in the 2% extract treatment. The content of essential oil increased with increasing the concentration of horsetail extract, so the highest amount of essential oil was obtained at the concentration of 2%, which increased by 134.78% compared to the control. By using GC-MS, the essential oil was analyzed. The main components of the essential oil include methyl eugenol (12.93-25.93%), eugenol (17.63-27.51%), 1,8-cineole (15.63-20.84%), linalool (8.31-19.63%) and (Z)-caryophyllene (6.02-14.93%). Increasing the concentration of horsetail extract increased the compounds of eugenol, 1,8-cineole, and linalool in essential oil compared to the control, but decreased the compounds of methyl eugenol and (Z)-caryophyllene. Foliar spraying of horsetail extract, which contains high amounts of silicon, as a stimulant and biological fertilizer, can be a beneficial ingredient in increasing the yield and production of medicinal plants, especially in organic essential oil production.

Exploring the Larvicidal and Adulticidal Activity against Aedes aegypti of Essential Oil from Bocageopsis multiflora.

This study investigates the chemical composition of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of Bocageopsis multiflora (Mart.) R.E.Fr (Annonaceae), examining its effectiveness in combating both the larvae and adult forms of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of the insecticidal activity, toxicity properties and molecular docking calculations were conducted using the main compounds of this essential oil. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of 26 constituents, representing 95.2% of the essential oil, with the major components identified as the sesquiterpenes α-selinene, ß-selinene, and ß-elemene. Larvicidal assays demonstrated potent activity of this essential oil with significant LC50 values of 40.8 and 39.4 µg/mL at 24 and 48 h, respectively. Adulticidal assessments highlighted strong efficacy with LC50 of 12.5 µg/mL. Molecular docking analysis identified optimal interaction activities of α-selinene and ß-selinene with key Aedes proteins. The in silico studies comparing synthetic insecticides with the major sesquiterpenes of the essential oil revealed that ß-selinene exhibited a significantly higher binding affinity compared to the other two sesquiterpenes. Also, ADMET studies of the three main sesquiterpenes indicated acceptable drug-like properties. In these findings, safety evaluations showed low toxicity and skin sensitization for the main sesquiterpenes, contrasting with commercial synthetic insecticides. Therefore, in silico analyses suggest promising interactions with Aedes proteins, indicating its potential as an effective alternative to conventional insecticides These results show the larvicidal and adulticidal potential of the essential oil from Bocageopsis multiflora against Aedes aegypti, supported by its predominant constituents, α-selinene, ß-selinene and ß-elemene.

Preparation of Steamed Purple Sweet Potato-Based Films Containing Mandarin Essential Oil for Smart Packaging.

Anthocyanin-rich steamed purple sweet potato (SPSP) is a suitable raw material to produce smart packaging films. However, the application of SPSP-based films is restricted by the low antimicrobial activity of anthocyanins. In this study, SPSP-based smart packaging films were produced by adding mandarin essential oil (MEO) as an antimicrobial agent. The impact of MEO content (3%, 6%, and 9%) on the structures, properties, and application of SPSP-based films was measured. The results showed that MEO created several pores within films and reduced the hydrogen bonding system and crystallinity of films. The dark purple color of the SPSP films was almost unchanged by MEO. MEO significantly decreased the light transmittance, water vapor permeability, and tensile strength of the films, but remarkably increased the oxygen permeability, thermal stability, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. The SPSP-MEO films showed intuitive color changes at different acid-base conditions. The purple-colored SPSP-MEO films turned blue when chilled shrimp and pork were not fresh. The MEO content greatly influenced the structures, physical properties, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films. However, the MEO content had no impact on the color change ability of the films. The results suggested that SPSP-MEO films have potential in the smart packaging of protein-rich foods.

Investigation of the Inhibitory Effects of Illicium verum Essential Oil Nanoemulsion on Fusarium proliferatum via Combined Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analysis.

Fusarium proliferatum is the main pathogen that causes Panax notoginseng root rot. The shortcomings of strong volatility and poor water solubility of Illicium verum essential oil (EO) limit its utilization. In this study, we prepared traditional emulsion (BDT) and nanoemulsion (Bneo) of I. verum EO by ultrasonic method with Tween-80 and absolute ethanol as solvents. The chemical components of EO, BDT, and Bneo were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the antifungal activity and mechanism were compared. The results show that Bneo has good stability and its particle size is 34.86 nm. The contents of (-) -anethole and estragole in Bneo were significantly higher than those in BDT. The antifungal activity against F. proliferatum was 5.8-fold higher than BDT. In the presence of I. verum EO, the occurrence of P. notoginseng root rot was significantly reduced. By combining transcriptome and metabolomics analysis, I. verum EO was found to be involved in the mutual transformation of pentose and glucuronic acid, galactose metabolism, streptomycin biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and other metabolic pathways of F. proliferatum, and it interfered with the normal growth of F. proliferatum to exert antifungal effects. This study provide a theoretical basis for expanding the practical application of Bneo.

Essential Oil Constituents as Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Agents: An Insight through Microglia Modulation.

Microglia are key players in the brain's innate immune response, contributing to homeostatic and reparative functions but also to inflammatory and underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Targeting microglia and modulating their function may have therapeutic potential for mitigating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils suggest that some of their components may be useful in regulating microglial function and microglial-associated neuroinflammation. This study, starting from the ethnopharmacological premises of the therapeutic benefits of aromatic plants, assessed the evidence for the essential oil modulation of microglia, investigating their potential pharmacological mechanisms. Current knowledge of the phytoconstituents, safety of essential oil components, and anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective effects were reviewed. This review encompasses essential oils of Thymus spp., Artemisia spp., Ziziphora clinopodioides, Valeriana jatamansi, Acorus spp., and others as well as some of their components including 1,8-cineole, ß-caryophyllene, ß-patchoulene, carvacrol, ß-ionone, eugenol, geraniol, menthol, linalool, thymol, α-asarone, and α-thujone. Essential oils that target PPAR/PI3K-Akt/MAPK signalling pathways could supplement other approaches to modulate microglial-associated inflammation to treat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in cases where reactive microglia play a part in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.

Agastache Species (Lamiaceae) as a Valuable Source of Volatile Compounds: GC-MS Profiling and Investigation of In Vitro Antibacterial and Cytotoxic Activities.

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the study of medicinal and aromatic plants, due to their therapeutic properties that correlate with the presence of different active compounds. Agastache species (sp.) are aromatic plants that belong to the Lamiaceae family, originating from North America and East Asia. The present study aimed to evaluate the composition of essential oils (EOs) obtained from different Romanian cultivated Agastache sp. and to investigate their antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) screening revealed that menthone was the dominant constituent of A. foeniculum (31.58%), A. rugosa (39.60%) and A. rugosa 'After Eight' (39.76%) EOs, while estragole was the major constituent of A. foeniculum "Aromat de Buzau" (63.27%) and A. mexicana (41.66%) EOs. The investigation of the antiproliferative effect showed that A. rugosa and A. foeniculum "Aromat de Buzau" EOs had significant cytotoxic activity on MDA-MB-231 and HEPG2 tumour cell lines, with the most promising effect on the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line for A. foeniculum "Aromat de Buzau" EO (IC50 = 203.70 ± 0.24 µg/mL). Regarding the antibacterial activity, A. rugosa EO was most active against E. coli (8.91 ± 3.27 µL/mL) and S. aureus (10.80 ± 0.00 µL/mL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the cytotoxic effect of Agastache sp. EOs on MDA-MB-231, HCT116 and HEPG2 tumour cell lines. The results of our study provide new and promising information for the subsequent in vivo study of the pharmacological properties of Agastache sp. essential oils.