Do Synthetic Fragrances in Personal Care and Household Products Impact Indoor Air Quality and Pose Health Risks?

Fragrance compounds (synthetic fragrances or natural essential oils) comprise formulations of specific combinations of individual materials or mixtures. Natural or synthetic scents are core constituents of personal care and household products (PCHPs) that impart attractiveness to the olfactory perception and disguise the unpleasant odor of the formula components of PCHPs. Fragrance chemicals have beneficial properties that allow their use in aromatherapy. However, because fragrances and formula constituents of PCHPs are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), vulnerable populations are exposed daily to variable indoor concentrations of these chemicals. Fragrance molecules may trigger various acute and chronic pathological conditions because of repetitive human exposure to indoor environments at home and workplaces. The negative impact of fragrance chemicals on human health includes cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic effects (e.g., headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular and neurological problems) and distress in workplaces. Pathologies related to synthetic perfumes are associated with allergic reactions (e.g., cutaneous and pulmonary hypersensitivity) and potentially with the perturbation of the endocrine-immune-neural axis. The present review aims to critically call attention to odorant VOCs, particularly synthetic fragrances and associated formula components of PCHPs, potentially impacting indoor air quality and negatively affecting human health.

Coryanthes macrantha (Orchidaceae: Stanhopeinae) and their floral and extrafloral secretory structures: an anatomical and phytochemical approach.

Coryanthes is one of the most fascinating genera of Stanhopeinae (Orchidaceae) because of its complex pollination mechanism and the peculiar structures of its flowers. Although Coryanthes macrantha is widely studied, investigation of the secretory structures and floral biology is important to understand the mechanisms and ecology of pollination, which deserve attention despite the difficulties of collecting fertile material in nature. We conducted a morpho-anatomical analysis of the floral and extrafloral secretory structures of C. macrantha to better understand the secretory structures, contribute to the knowledge of its floral biology and/or pollination processes and understand the ecological function of these structures. The analysis revealed that C. macrantha has epidermal osmophores with unicellular papillae that were foraged by male Eulaema bees, floral nectaries in the sepals and extrafloral nectaries in the bracts. In both the floral and extrafloral nectaries, the nectar is exuded by the stomata. Azteca ants foraged the bract and sepal nectaries in pre-anthesis and post-anthesis. We also described the secretory epidermis of pleuridia, and the mode of secretion of osmophores and nectaries and found that they attract specific foraging agents.

A parasitoid's dilemma between food and host resources: the role of volatiles from nectar-providing marigolds and host-infested plants attracting Aphidius platensis.

The use of nectar-producing companion plants in crops is a well-known strategy of conserving natural enemies in biological control. However, the role of floral volatiles in attracting parasitoids and effects on host location via herbivore-induced plant volatiles is poorly known. Here, we examined the role of floral volatiles from marigold (Tagetes erecta), alone or in combination with volatiles from sweet pepper plant (Capsicum annuum), in recruiting Aphidius platensis, an important parasitoid of the green peach aphid Myzus persicae. We also investigated whether marigold floral volatiles are more attractive to the parasitoid than those emitted by sweet pepper plants infested by M. persicae. Olfactometry assays indicated that floral volatiles attracted A. platensis to the marigold plant and are more attractive than sweet pepper plant volatiles. However, volatiles emitted by aphid-infested sweet pepper were as attractive to the parasitoid as those of uninfested or aphid-infested blooming marigold. The composition of volatile blends released by uninfested and aphid-infested plants differed between both blooming marigold and sweet pepper, but the parasitoid did not discriminate aphid-infested from uninfested blooming marigold. Volatile released from blooming marigold and sweet pepper shared several compounds, but that of blooming marigold contained larger amounts of fatty-acid derivatives and a different composition of terpenes. We discuss the potential implications of the aphid parasitoid attraction in a diversified crop management strategy.

Resolving the non-papilionaceous flower of Camoensia scandens, a papilionoid legume of the core genistoid clade: development, glands and insights into the pollination and systematics of the group.

Camoensia scandens is a papilionoid legume inserted in the core genistoid clade. It has large, crepuscular, scented flowers but the corolla is non-papilionaceous, which deviates from the pattern found in the subfamily. The vexillum has a folded claw, forming a tube, which is opposed to the androecium opening; all petals have yellow-gold crinkled margins. In addition, there is a long hypanthium, which stores a translucid liquid. The goal of this study is to elucidate the ontogenetic pathways that result in such a peculiar flower and the glands responsible for the sweet fragrance of the petals. Floral buds and flowers were processed for SEM, TEM and light microscopy analyses. Five sepals arise unidirectionally followed by five petals that initiate simultaneously. After the petals, 11 stamens emerge unidirectionally; a pair of adaxial stamens is opposite to the vexillum. In the intermediate developmental stages the sepals unite basally; the two adaxial sepals unite with each other to a greater extent than with the other sepals. The filaments are basally connate, forming a tube with an adaxial opening at the base. The carpel emerges concomitantly with the two abaxial antepetalous stamens. The long hypanthium forms from the outer floral organs (base of the sepals, petals, filaments) and is attached to the base of the stipe. The corolla is noticeable in the intermediate stages of development. The crinkled golden margins house scent glands formed of a secretory epidermis with secretory trichomes and secretory subepidermal cells. The odor is composed of neutral polysaccharides, nitrogenous substances and essential oils. An extensive nectariferous region is found on the inner surface of the hypanthial tube. The nectar is translucent, viscous and released through large pores. The comparison of our data with that of other genistoid flowers enabled discussions about the pollination and systematics of the group.

Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru): Still worth testing?

BACKGROUND: Because Myroxylon pereirae (MP), or balsam of Peru, is nowadays almost not used "as such," and fragrance mix 1 (FM1) apparently is more sensitive in detecting fragrance allergy, the usefulness of testing MP in baseline series was recently questioned. OBJECTIVES: Identification of the number of clinically relevant patch test reactions to MP not detected by FM1. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 12 030 patients patch tested with MP and FM1 for contact dermatitis between January 2018 and December 2019 in 13 Italian dermatology clinics. RESULTS: Four hundred thirty-nine patients (3.6%) had a positive patch test reaction to MP; 437 (3.6%) had a positive patch test reaction to FM1. Positive reactions to both MP and FM1 were observed in 119 subjects (1.0%), 310 (2.6%) reacted to MP only, 304 (2.5%) to FM1 only, 5 to MP and sorbitan sesquioleate (SSO), 9 to FM1 and SSO, and 5 to MP, FM1, and SSO. Single sensitizations were clinically relevant in 75.2% of cases for MP (62.9% current, 12.3% past) and 76.3% for FM1 (70.1% current, 6.2% past). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, MP appears to be still worth testing along with FM1 in baseline series, because it allows detection of a remarkable number of fragrance allergies, often relevant, which would be otherwise missed.

Fragrance addition improves visitation by honeybees and fruit quality in kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa).

BACKGROUND: Kiwifruit is an important horticultural crop all over the world and its development is important in Argentina. This dioecious crop has a short blooming period with nectarless flowers, and its fruit production depends on cross-pollination. Here, we tested whether kiwifruit quality increases by using honeybees exposed to female flowers treated with an artificial fragrance. The three experimental treatments were: A, sprinkled female flowers with 1:1 sugar syrup + Lavandula hybrida extract solution (a new attractant substance especially developed for this study named Lavandin Grosso); B, sprinkled female flowers with 1:1 water + sugar syrup (female flowers with additional sugar syrup reward); C (control; female flowers exposed to honeybees). RESULTS: The results showed a higher number of visits of honeybees to the female flowers sprinkled with the attractant substance, Lavandin Grosso, as well as higher fruit quality (weight, number of seeds, regularity in fruit size). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the potential of fragrance-treated flowers to improve yield production in kiwifruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lip morphology and ultrastructure of osmophores in Cyclopogon (Orchidaceae) reveal a degree of morphological differentiation among species.

Floral fragrances play an important role in pollinator attraction; they serve as signals for primary rewards such as nectar. The presence of osmophores (a specialized glandular tissue that produces fragrance) in the terrestrial orchid Cyclopogon has only been described in a single species. There are fragrant and odorless species within this genus, but no data on the similarities or differences between them has been published. Here, we present new data on the lip morphology and ultrastructure from eight Cyclopogon species to better understand the mechanisms of pollinator attraction of this group. To achieve this goal, we used light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Five out of eight species presented globular trichomes associated with fragrance production on the abaxial side of the labellum. Together with subepidermal cells, they compose the secretory tissue. Despite the absence of globular trichomes, C. apricus also presented cells associated with fragrance production. Lipid droplets, plastids containing plastoglobuli, and starch were indicators of secretory activity present in these species. This same pattern of fragrance production and release, associated with flower morphology, may result in the restriction of pollination by halictid bees.

Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru) - A critical review of the literature and assessment of the significance of positive patch test reactions and the usefulness of restrictive diets.

In this article, contact allergy to Myroxylon pereirae resin (MP) (balsam of Peru) is reviewed. The topics presented include the uses, the chemical composition, the frequency of sensitization, the relevance of positive reactions, the MP-containing products causing allergic contact dermatitis, co-reactivity with other fragrance and non-fragrance materials, the sensitizers, the usefulness of MP as a "marker" of fragrance allergy, and the effectiveness of, and indications for, "balsam-restrictive" diets. Sensitization to MP occurs in 4% to 8% of patients routinely tested for suspected contact dermatitis. There are few adequate data on relevance. Topical pharmaceuticals were formerly, but are not today, important sources of sensitization. Cosmetics and foods or drinks are hardly ever products responsible for sensitization to MP. Positive patch test reactions in the large majority probably result from previous sensitization to MP constituents because of their presence in fragrances and fragranced products, MP thereby acting as marker (or "indicator") of fragrance allergy. However, fragrance mix I is a more sensitive marker, and the added diagnostic value of testing with MP is unknown. The allergenic ingredients of MP include isoeugenol, eugenol and cinnamyl alcohol, but there are other-largely unknown-chemicals that are responsible for contact allergy. Suggestions are given for further research to address questions thus far unanswered and to improve patient care.

Study on the developmental toxicity of ß-ionone in the rat.

ß-ionone (BIO) is used in fragrances, toiletries and non-cosmetic products, and as a flavor food additive. Notwithstanding the widespread human exposure, there are limited data on the reproductive toxicity of BIO. This study evaluated the developmental toxicity of BIO (0, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight/day) given orally to rats on days 6-15 of gestation (GD6-15). C-section was on GD21 and implantations, living and dead fetuses and resorptions were recorded. Fetuses were weighed, and examined for external abnormalities and skeleton and visceral anomalies. The embryotoxicity of a single oral dose of BIO (1000 mg/kg body wt) given on GD11 was evaluated as well. At the highest dose, BIO reduced weight gain and produced chromodacryorrhea and other signs of toxicity. BIO did not increase the frequency of malformations nor did it retard fetal growth. Nonetheless, BIO decreased the pregnancy rate in the group of females exposed on GD6-15, and increased the resorption rate in those treated on GD11 only. In conclusion, except for a higher embryolethality at a maternally toxic dose, BIO caused no embryotoxic effect over the dose range tested and the study NOAEL for maternal and developmental toxicity was 500 mg of BIO/ kg of body weight/day.

Reproductive biology of endemic Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) and updating of its current geographic distribution as the basis for its conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado / Biologia reprodutiva da endêmica Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) e atualização da distribuição geográfica atual, como base para a sua conservação no Cerrado Brasileiro

The genus Solanum (family Solanaceae) includes more than 1400 species and has buzz-pollinated flowers with poricidal anthers. The present study aimed to describe the distribution, breeding system and pollination mechanism of Solanum melissarum, a species endemic to Brazil. The study of breeding system was conducted in an urban forest fragment in Jataí, GO. Distribution data were gathered from floristic surveys and digital plant databases. The floral morphology and the pollination mechanism were studied on through field observations and preserved flowers. The breeding system was determined through hand pollination treatments. The species has a distribution only in the Brazilian Atlantic forest coastal, and this study provides the first records of S. melissarum for the state of Goiás. The pendulous flowers have poricidal anthers close to the stigma, with membranous thecae joined by a connective bearing osmophores that attract males of Euglossa cordata bees. As they collect fragrances, the bees press the thecae and pollen is released through a bellows mechanism. Based on the hand-pollination treatments, this species is self-incompatible. Isolated forest fragments may not include enough pollinators to ensure the pollination of plants with specialized systems. However, they are essential for the conservation of species with interesting phytogeographic patterns, such as the vicariance observed in S. melissarum, and for the conservation of regional diversity.(AU)

O gênero Solanum (família Solanaceae) inclui mais de 1400 espécies e apresenta polinização vibrátil e flores com anteras poricidas. O estudo tem o objetivo de descrever a distribuição, sistema reprodutivo e o mecanismo de polinização de Solanum melissarum, uma espécie endêmica do Brasil. O estudo da biologia reprodutiva foi conduzido em um fragmento florestal urbano em Jataí, GO. As informações de distribuição foram obtidas através de trabalhos florísticos e de banco de dados digitais de plantas. A morfologia floral e o mecanismo de polinização foram estudados através de observações diretas em campo e em flores preservadas. O sistema reprodutivo foi determinado a partir de tratamentos de polinização manual. A espécie apresentava distribuição somente na Mata Atlântica litorânea brasileira, e este estudo demonstrou o primeiro registro de S. melissarum para o estado de Goiás. As flores são pendentes e com anteras poricidas próximas ao estigma, com tecas membranosas envoltas por um conectivo giboso com osmóforos que atraem machos da abelha Euglossa cordata. Na coleta de fragrâncias, as abelhas pressionam as tecas e o polén é liberado por um mecanismo de fole. Baseado nos tratamentos de polinização manual, a espécie é autoincompatível. Fragmentos florestais isolados podem não incluir polinizadores suficientes para garantir a polinização das plantas com sistemas especializados, no entanto, eles são essenciais para a conservação de espécies com padrões fitogeográficos interessantes, como o vicariância observada em S. melissarum, e também para a conservação da diversidade regional.(AU)

Reproductive biology of endemic Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) and updating of its current geographic distribution as the basis for its conservation in the Brazilian Cerrado / Biologia reprodutiva da endêmica Solanum melissarum Bohs (Solanaceae) e atualização da distribuição geográfica atual, como base para a sua conservação no Cerrado Brasileiro

Abstract The genus Solanum (family Solanaceae) includes more than 1400 species and has buzz-pollinated flowers with poricidal anthers. The present study aimed to describe the distribution, breeding system and pollination mechanism of Solanum melissarum, a species endemic to Brazil. The study of breeding system was conducted in an urban forest fragment in Jataí, GO. Distribution data were gathered from floristic surveys and digital plant databases. The floral morphology and the pollination mechanism were studied on through field observations and preserved flowers. The breeding system was determined through hand pollination treatments. The species has a distribution only in the Brazilian Atlantic forest coastal, and this study provides the first records of S. melissarum for the state of Goiás. The pendulous flowers have poricidal anthers close to the stigma, with membranous thecae joined by a connective bearing osmophores that attract males of Euglossa cordata bees. As they collect fragrances, the bees press the thecae and pollen is released through a bellows mechanism. Based on the hand-pollination treatments, this species is self-incompatible. Isolated forest fragments may not include enough pollinators to ensure the pollination of plants with specialized systems. However, they are essential for the conservation of species with interesting phytogeographic patterns, such as the vicariance observed in S. melissarum, and for the conservation of regional diversity.

Resumo O gênero Solanum (família Solanaceae) inclui mais de 1400 espécies e apresenta polinização vibrátil e flores com anteras poricidas. O estudo tem o objetivo de descrever a distribuição, sistema reprodutivo e o mecanismo de polinização de Solanum melissarum, uma espécie endêmica do Brasil. O estudo da biologia reprodutiva foi conduzido em um fragmento florestal urbano em Jataí, GO. As informações de distribuição foram obtidas através de trabalhos florísticos e de banco de dados digitais de plantas. A morfologia floral e o mecanismo de polinização foram estudados através de observações diretas em campo e em flores preservadas. O sistema reprodutivo foi determinado a partir de tratamentos de polinização manual. A espécie apresentava distribuição somente na Mata Atlântica litorânea brasileira, e este estudo demonstrou o primeiro registro de S. melissarum para o estado de Goiás. As flores são pendentes e com anteras poricidas próximas ao estigma, com tecas membranosas envoltas por um conectivo giboso com osmóforos que atraem machos da abelha Euglossa cordata. Na coleta de fragrâncias, as abelhas pressionam as tecas e o polén é liberado por um mecanismo de fole. Baseado nos tratamentos de polinização manual, a espécie é autoincompatível. Fragmentos florestais isolados podem não incluir polinizadores suficientes para garantir a polinização das plantas com sistemas especializados, no entanto, eles são essenciais para a conservação de espécies com padrões fitogeográficos interessantes, como o vicariância observada em S. melissarum, e também para a conservação da diversidade regional.

Blown by the wind: the ecology of male courtship display behavior in orchid bees.

Many insects rely on chemical signals to transmit precise information on the location, identity, and quality of potential mates. Chemical signals are often broadcasted at sites with physical properties that maximize signal propagation and signal transmission. Male neotropical orchid bees (Euglossini) perch and display on vertical branches and tree trunks in the forest to expose volatile blends (perfumes) that they previously collected from their environment. Previous studies have shown that the chemical composition of perfume blends is highly differentiated even between closely related species. However, variation in behavioral components of perfume exposure and male display remain poorly understood. We conducted a four-year study on orchid bee display sites (8 species) in pacific Costa Rica, using field observations along with chemical analysis and cage experiments to assess display niche partitioning among sympatric species. We evaluated the influence of physical factors (terrain, wind, light) on the distribution of perch sites and on display behavior, and tested a prediction of the sex pheromone-analogue hypothesis, i.e., that displaying males have above-average quantities or qualities of acquired perfumes. Males of different species displayed in the same general area and sometimes in close proximity to each other, but partitioned the display niche by selecting different perch diameters, display heights, and by displaying at different times of the day. Most perch sites were located inside the forest on elevated ground, especially along ridges, where stronger winds may help disperse perfume signals. Furthermore, the angular position of displaying males on perches was narrowly determined by wind direction, with males being positioned on the downwind side of the perch, where they would be most conspicuous to conspecifics approaching on an odor trail. Although our results generally support the hypothesis that perfumes serve as pheromone analogues, we did not find differences in the perfume composition of males caught at display perches and males captured at chemical baits. This suggests that, while chemical communication is an integral part of orchid bee display, male display activity is not determined by the history of, and success in, volatile acquisition.

Determination of fragrance content in perfume by Raman spectroscopy and multivariate calibration.

An alternative methodology is herein proposed for determination of fragrance content in perfumes and their classification according to the guidelines established by fine perfume manufacturers. The methodology is based on Raman spectroscopy associated with multivariate calibration, allowing the determination of fragrance content in a fast, nondestructive, and sustainable manner. The results were considered consistent with the conventional method, whose standard error of prediction values was lower than the 1.0%. This result indicates that the proposed technology is a feasible analytical tool for determination of the fragrance content in a hydro-alcoholic solution for use in manufacturing, quality control and regulatory agencies.

Brazilian gorgonians: a source of odoriferous compounds?

Abstract The gorgonian Phyllogorgia dilatata Esper is an octocoral known to be source of biologically active terpenes. In this study, odoriferous compounds present in P. dilatata tissues were investigated, due to their exotic olfactory notes. The search of volatile compounds was performed in a dichloromethane/methanol extract submitted to a silica gel vacuum chromatography and HPLC, yielding the isomers (Z,E) and (E,E)-germacrones, identified by GC/MS, 1 and 2D NMR. The stereochemistry of (E,E)-germacrone, as well as its preferred conformation, was confirmed by NOESY. Sensory analysis of the two isomers revealed a fragrant, citrus, woody and weak marine odor, similar to the odor of the natural gorgonian, and (E,E)-germacrone has a three times more intense aroma than the (Z,E) isomer.

Scent glands in legume flowers.

Scent glands, or osmophores, are predominantly floral secretory structures that secrete volatile substances during anthesis, and therefore act in interactions with pollinators. The Leguminosae family, despite being the third largest angiosperm family, with a wide geographical distribution and diversity of habits, morphology and pollinators, has been ignored with respect to these glands. Thus, we localised and characterised the sites of fragrance production and release in flowers of legumes, in which scent plays an important role in pollination, and also tested whether there are relationships between the structure of the scent gland and the pollinator habit: diurnal or nocturnal. Flowers in pre-anthesis and anthesis of 12 legume species were collected and analysed using immersion in neutral red, olfactory tests and anatomical studies (light and scanning electron microscopy). The main production site of floral scent is the perianth, especially the petals. The scent glands are distributed in a restricted way in Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Anadenanthera peregrina, Inga edulis and Parkia pendula, constituting mesophilic osmophores, and in a diffuse way in Bauhinia rufa, Hymenaea courbaril, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Poincianella pluviosa, Pterodon pubescens, Platycyamus regnellii, Mucuna urens and Tipuana tipu. The glands are comprised of cells of the epidermis and mesophyll that secrete mainly terpenes, nitrogen compounds and phenols. Relationships between the presence of osmophores and type of anthesis (diurnal and nocturnal) and the pollinator were not found. Our data on scent glands in Leguminosae are original and detail the type of diffuse release, which has been very poorly studied.

Efecto de las fragancias en el desempeño sensorial de productos cosméticos tipo champú / Effect of the fragrance on the sensorial performance of cosmetic shampoos

En el desarrollo de cosméticos, las fragancias constituyen un factor clave en términos de la aceptabilidad del producto por parte del consumidor. No obstante, durante la etapa de formulación, la atención se focaliza comúnmente en la evaluación de factores tales como el desempeño y la estabilidad del perfil olfativo, y no se profundiza en las consecuencias de las posibles interacciones causadas entre los ingredientes de la formulación y los ingredientes de la fragancia. Como un aporte en este sentido, el presente trabajo evidencia el efecto de diferentes fragancias en el desempeño funcional de productos cosméticos tipo champú. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, el solvente orgánico presente en la composición de la fragancia podría influenciar de forma significativa en el comportamiento de materias primas de naturaleza polimérica que se emplean en las formulaciones de champús y que determinan tanto la viscosidad del producto como su desempeño sensorial en las pruebas de uso.

Fragrances are a key factor when cosmetics are developed because of their crucial influence on the consumer acceptance. However, the development stages of the product are frequently focused on factors such as the cosmetic performance and the olfactory profile, overlooking the potential chemical interactions between the recipe ingredients and the fragrance ingredients like their consequences in terms of the product performance. As a contribution on this regard, this research evidences the incidence of different fragrances on the functional performance of cosmetic shampoos. The results reveal that the organic solvent included into the fragrance recipe could influence in significant way the behavior of polymeric raw materials which govern both the product viscosity and the product sensorial performance when in use tests are carried out.

Influence of the presence and type of fragrance on the sensory perception of cosmetic formulations

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sensory assessments of identical cosmetic formulations with and without fragrance to investigate not only the acceptance but also how different fragrances affected their attributes, such as skin feel, tackiness and spreadability. Three gel and three cream formulations with and without two types of fragrance, fennel and sweet flowers, were assessed for various attributes. The presence and type of fragrance used affected the testers' perception of some attributes, showing that the influence of this component should not be disregarded. Apparently, a consumer's reaction to a cosmetic product is not only based on its efficacy but also on how its attributes are perceived, such as appearance, skin feel and smell.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were compared with those of the essential oils extracted using the traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. While MAHD at 660 W required half as much time as HD needed, similar antibacterial efficacies were found from the essential oils obtained by the two extraction methods on two food pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium, and Escherchia coli, a gram negative bacterium). Also, as it was the case with the essential oils extracted by HD, that of MAHD indicated greater influence on S. aureus than on E. coli. The compositions of the extracted essential oils were also studied using GC-MS analysis. The same components with negligible differences in their quantities were found in the extracted essential oils using the two methods outlined above. Overall, to reduce the extraction time, MAHD can be applied at higher microwave levels without any compromise in the antibacterial properties of the essential oils extracted.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were compared with those of the essential oils extracted using the traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. While MAHD at 660 W required half as much time as HD needed, similar antibacterial efficacies were found from the essential oils obtained by the two extraction methods on two food pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium, and Escherchia coli, a gram negative bacterium). Also, as it was the case with the essential oils extracted by HD, that of MAHD indicated greater influence on S. aureus than on E. coli. The compositions of the extracted essential oils were also studied using GC-MS analysis. The same components with negligible differences in their quantities were found in the extracted essential oils using the two methods outlined above. Overall, to reduce the extraction time, MAHD can be applied at higher microwave levels without any compromise in the antibacterial properties of the essential oils extracted.

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation

Antibacterial properties and chemical characterization of the essential oils from summer savory (Satureja hortensis) extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) were compared with those of the essential oils extracted using the traditional hydrodistillation (HD) method. While MAHD at 660 W required half as much time as HD needed, similar antibacterial efficacies were found from the essential oils obtained by the two extraction methods on two food pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, a gram positive bacterium, and Escherchia coli, a gram negative bacterium). Also, as it was the case with the essential oils extracted by HD, that of MAHD indicated greater influence on S. aureus than on E. coli. The compositions of the extracted essential oils were also studied using GC-MS analysis. The same components with negligible differences in their quantities were found in the extracted essential oils using the two methods outlined above. Overall, to reduce the extraction time, MAHD can be applied at higher microwave levels without any compromise in the antibacterial properties of the essential oils extracted.