Search Results (310)

Green-synthesis routes for producing CuO nanoparticles offer a simplified, sustainable, and low-cost replacement for conventional chemical methods, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and providing an easily scalable process for industrial-level production. Although numerous studies have investigated synthesizing CuO nanoparticles from single plant extracts, comparative assessments of multi-plant-mediated CuO nanoparticles alongside synthetic CuO remain limited. In this work, CuO nanoparticles were green-synthesized from three different plant sources, namely ginger, red onion peels, and garlic, and their physicochemical and biological properties were tested against the synthetic CuO. All plant extracts produced pure-phased monoclinic CuO nanoparticles as confirmed by UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, and SEM/EDX analyses. SEM showed distinct nanoparticle morphologies, with CuO from ginger extract exhibiting uniform nanocubes, while nanoparticles from red onion and garlic extracts exhibited more aggregated and irregular structures. Their crystallite sizes were 8–9 nm lower than the ~11 nm observed for the synthetic CuO, highlighting the phytochemical role in shaping the nanoparticles’ morphology. The antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli showed that ginger-derived and synthetic CuO had the strongest bacterial inhibition and bactericidal potency compared to onion- and garlic-derived CuO samples. However, synthetic CuO had the highest cytotoxicity risk, hindering its suitability for biological uses, while CuO-ginger maintained good cell viability at moderate concentrations. CuO-onion and CuO-garlic gave lower antibacterial cytocompatibility performance due to their thicker capping layers, which led to decreased Cu²⁺ release and ROS production. Ginger-derived CuO achieved an optimal trade-off between antibacterial and cytotoxic efficiency, highlighting its prospects as a candidate for biomedical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The gut–liver axis plays a central role in cholesterol homeostasis, linking intestinal absorption, microbial metabolites, and hepatic lipid regulation. Dysregulation of this axis contributes to hypercholesterolemia and cardiometabolic risk, beyond classical cholesterol synthesis pathways. This study evaluated a novel multi-botanical formulation (MIX) that combines Gastrodia elata, Black Garlic, Primula veris, and Emblica officinalis (AMLA) to integrate modulation of cholesterol metabolism through intestinal and hepatic mechanisms. Methods: Individual extracts were chemically characterised for polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), and tannins. Caco-2 cells were treated with varying doses to determine optimal concentrations and for viability, transepithelial electrical resistance, and permeability analysis. Supernatants post-intestinal passage were applied to HepG2 cells under high-glucose conditions to assess viability, oxidative stress, SRC/ERK-MAPK signalling, cholesterol synthesis (HMGR), LDL uptake, PCSK9–LDLR–SREBP-2 axis, and bile acid production. Results: MIX enhanced intestinal barrier integrity (TEER, tight junctions, permeability) and preserved cell viability compared with single extracts. In HepG2 cells, MIX demonstrated synergistic effects: it reduced HMGR expression by 83–90% relative to individual extracts, increased LDLR expression by 43–97%, suppressed PCSK9 by up to 92%, and lowered total cholesterol and LDL uptake more effectively than RYRF. MIX also amplified bile acid production and free cholesterol excretion, indicating improved hepatic clearance pathways. SRC and ERK-MAPK signalling were favourably modulated, supporting hepatocyte survival under metabolic stress. Conclusions: The multi-botanical formulation exerts complementary and synergistic effects on intestinal absorption and hepatic cholesterol regulation, integrating suppression of cholesterol synthesis, enhanced LDL clearance, and stimulated elimination via bile acids. These findings highlight the potential of the MIX formulation to modulate metabolically induced cholesterol dysregulation, supporting further in vivo and clinical investigation. Full article

As the demand for poultry meat and eggs is increasing in the world, and the use of antibiotics is forbidden in Europe (since 2006), with countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Bangladesh and China having imposed restriction or prohibitions, researchers and producers have sought for effective non-antibiotic alternatives. Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and phytobiotics are frequently used as alternatives in the field of poultry production. Phytobiotics, plant-derived substances, also referred to as botanicals or phytogenics, are used as animal diets supplements due to their wide range of bioactive compounds (menthol, curcumin, eugenol, allicin and others) and many advantages. They are classified as herbs, spices, plant extracts and essential oils. Some of the benefits offered by the dietary phytobiotics are antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestion stimulant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, carminative, antiseptic and appetite stimulant, the modulation of gut microbiota and improvement in the intestinal histology. Some representatives of phytobiotics are turmeric, oregano, sage, thyme, black pepper, ginger, garlic, echinacea, rosemary and others. Despite the significant potential of phytobiotics, their widespread adaptation is currently inhibited by challenges regarding cost-effectiveness (high price for raw materials), scarce regulatory frameworks, and inconsistent biological efficacy. The lack of standardization reflects a dual challenge, enclosing both the inherent chemical variability of raw botanical materials and the technical inconsistencies present throughout the industrial manufacturing, and extraction processes as producers use different machinery for extracting and producing the animal feed. To address these systemic impediments, a joint effort across the entire value chain—from primary producers to regulatory authorities—is essential for the development of unified testing protocols and standardization dosage guidelines that ensure the pharmacological safety and reliability of phytobiotic products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Botanical and nutraceutical approaches have increasingly been considered as alternatives or complements to conventional lipid-lowering therapies, particularly in individuals with mild-to-moderate dyslipidemia or statin intolerance. This study aimed to evaluate a multi-botanical formulation, combining black garlic, sesame, Gastrodia elata, and Primula veris extracts, for its effects on hepatic cholesterol regulation and the PCSK9–LDLr–SREBP-2 axis in vitro. Methods: Each extract was chemically characterised for its polysaccharide, polyphenol, flavonoid, and sesamin content. HepG2 cells were exposed to normal (5 mM) or high-glucose (30 mM) conditions to mimic metabolic stress. Dose–response studies identified optimal concentrations for cell viability. Hepatic safety was assessed via MTT and ROS assays, while cholesterol metabolism was evaluated by measuring HMG-CoA reductase levels, total cholesterol, LDL levels, bile acid production, free cholesterol levels, and the expression of PCSK9, LDLr, and SREBP-2 using ELISA and Western blot. Results: All individual extracts improved cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, and moderately modulated cholesterol metabolism. The multi-botanical combination exhibited synergistic effects, enhancing cell viability (+47.5% vs. untreated), suppressing ROS, reducing HMGR levels, and lowering total intracellular cholesterol more effectively than single extracts or the statin-like reference RYRF. Importantly, the combination strongly downregulated PCSK9 and inhibited SREBP-2 proteolytic activation while upregulating LDLr, indicating coordinated transcriptional and post-translational regulation. Bile acid production and free cholesterol excretion were also significantly increased, supporting improved cholesterol clearance. Conclusions: This four-botanical formulation effectively modulates hepatic cholesterol homeostasis via a multifactorial, synergistic mechanism distinct from statin-like agents. The results suggest its potential as a safe, non-statin strategy to support cardiometabolic health. Future studies are warranted to confirm long-term efficacy and clinical relevance. Full article

Seven disease control products produced at a grapevine farm in Mała Wieś (Masovian County, Poland) were tested and compared with standard chemical control and no control. The following substances were used as disease control agents: lavender, lemon, and orange oils; Saccharomyces cerevisiae HDT18 yeast fermentation liquid; mint; and Habanero Orange hot pepper decoction. Results were compared with treatments using standard fungicides, a control without control, and two commercial products containing tansy extract and chili and garlic extract. The tested products were generally less effective in protecting against fungal diseases than the standard chemical control. However, they improved total yield, yield used for vinification, total acidity, sugar content, and pH of harvested grapes compared to untreated grapes. Our own preparations (HDT-18, lemon oil, mint decoction, and hot pepper) reduced total yields and simultaneously reduced the number of grapes infected with diseases, which is particularly important in mechanical harvesting without sorting. Must parameters (sugar, pH, TA) enabled wine production from each of the experimental combinations tested. These approaches may be useful in organic farming programs in cold climates. Although they may reduce total yields, they also reduce the number of grapes unsuitable for vinification. Full article

Allium tuberosum, commonly known as garlic chives, is a promising species with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, useful both fresh and dried as a spice. This study analyzed the chlorophyll, carotenoid, polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity in various parts of two- and three-year-old garlic chives, including green stems, inflorescences, and flowering shoots. The research found that flowering shoots had higher levels of chlorophylls and carotenoids, while inflorescences were rich in total polyphenols and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Essential oils extracted from different parts of the plant were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), revealing distinct chemical profiles. The oils contained unique compounds, with oxygenated monoterpenes predominant in green stems and stems with flower buds, and aliphatic hydrocarbons more prevalent in inflorescences. This study highlights the high antioxidant potential of Allium tuberosum and suggests further research due to its varied chemical composition across different plant parts. Full article

The increasing resistance of Candida tropicalis to conventional antifungal agents has necessitated the development of effective, biocompatible alternatives derived from natural sources. Garlic (Allium sativum), known for its potent antimicrobial activity, contains 33 bioactive sulfur compounds, some of them being allicin, ajoene, and diallyl sulfides, that exhibit strong antifungal effects. However, the clinical application of garlic extract in pharmaceutical formulations remains limited due to its chemical instability, rapid degradation, and limited bioavailability. This review highlights recent advancements in pharmaceutical processing and particle engineering approaches to enhance the stability, delivery, and therapeutic efficacy of garlic extract-based antifungal formulations. Key strategies such as nanoparticle encapsulation, nanoemulsification, advanced drying techniques, and hydrogel-based delivery systems are discussed as effective approaches to enhance the stability and antifungal performance of garlic extract formulations. Special attention is given to hydrogel-based systems due to their excellent mucoadhesive properties, ease of application, and sustained release potential, making them ideal for treating localized C. tropicalis infections. The review also discusses formulation challenges and in vitro evaluation parameters, including minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and biofilm inhibition. By analyzing recent findings and technological trends, this review underscores the potential of garlic extract-based particle-engineered systems as sustainable and effective antifungal therapies. The scope of this review includes an in-depth evaluation of garlic extract-derived formulations, the application of particle processing technologies, and their translational potential in the design of next-generation antifungal delivery systems for managing C. tropicalis infections. Full article

Plant-derived biostimulants represent an innovative approach to enhancing crop productivity, resilience, and quality within sustainable agricultural systems by improving nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and plant defense mechanisms while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. However, their effectiveness is often limited by poor stability and low bioavailability. Recent advances in nanotechnology, particularly liposomal formulations, address these limitations by enhancing the stability, solubility, and delivery efficiency of bioactive plant compounds. Liposomes facilitate the penetration and systemic transport of active ingredients within plant tissues and enable controlled release at the target site, thereby increasing biostimulant efficacy. This review summarizes current knowledge on plant-derived biostimulants, their classification, nano-formulation, molecular mechanisms, and roles in mitigating abiotic and biotic stress. Special emphasis is placed on liposome-based formulations, including supercritical CO₂ extracts and nano-liposomal delivery systems, with examples such as garlic extract and the EliceVakcina^® complex. Finally, the potential of liposomal technologies in integrated crop protection and sustainable agriculture is discussed. Full article

Controlling banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa) vectors of banana bunchy-top disease is crucial for integrated disease management. Synthetic insecticides, though effective in aphid control, pose health and environmental risks. Biorational pesticides (including botanicals and soaps) are safer alternatives. This study screened four fresh and fermented aqueous plant extracts (chili pepper, garlic, neem, and peppermint) and three soaps (bathing, laundry bar, and liquid soap) singly or in mixtures against banana aphids through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Aphid-inoculated banana leaf-blade disks were used for the in vitro studies over 96 h. Potted plantlets were used for the in vivo studies over eight weeks. Applying these preparations resulted in significant (p ≤ 0.05) aphid mortality (28.6 to 100%) compared to the water control (3.3%) at 96 h post-spray (hps). In vitro, a single application of nimbecidine^® (Azadirachtin 0.03%), garlic, chili-pepper botanicals, insecticidal, and bathing soap caused >50% mortality at 96 hps. Mixed applications of chili pepper, garlic-based, and neem botanicals with soap caused >70% mortality at 96 hps in vitro. Binary mixtures of neem oil, garlic, fermented garlic, or fermented peppermint with insecticidal soap, and neem oil with bar soap, were promising in vivo, reducing the aphid populations to <20/plant compared to the control, which had >200 aphids after week 8. However, these potential preparations incurred a higher cost (USD 1.30/banana mat) compared to the synthetic pesticide (USD 0.022/mat). Thus, biorational mixtures have a potential to effectively control banana aphids. Full article

Allium ursinum L. (wild garlic) is a valuable medicinal and culinary plant, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of A. ursinum populations growing across eleven distinct sites in Lithuania, representing their different habitats. Leaves and flowers were extracted using solvent systems optimized for different compound groups, 70% methanol for phenolics, purified water for sulfur compounds, and methanol for carotenoids, assisted by ultrasonic extraction. Using HPLC-PDA and spectrophotometric assays, major flavonol glycosides, sulfur compounds and carotenoids were quantified in leaves and flowers. Significant variability in compound concentrations was observed between populations and plant organs. Flowers accumulated allicin (622–1442 μg/g DM) and higher levels of flavonol derivatives (up to 5949 μg/g DM), whereas leaves contained more carotenoids (384–656 μg/g DM). Antioxidant activity ranged from 473 to 719 μmol TE/g DM and showed positive correlation with the total content of identified phenolics in flowers. However, no significant correlation was observed between total phenolics and total antioxidant capacity in leaves. Multivariate analysis revealed clear clustering of populations based on climatic parameters, with higher precipitation and moderate spring temperatures favoring higher phenolic content. These findings suggest that local environmental factors significantly influence phytochemical profiles and antioxidant potential in A. ursinum. The results emphasize the importance of habitat conditions for optimal yield of bioactive compounds and support the development of site-adapted cultivation strategies for high-quality production of A. ursinum raw material. Full article

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its rapid global spread underscores the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the antiviral potential of Allium sativum (garlic) extracts against SARS-CoV-2, focusing on disruption of the spike protein’s receptor-binding domain (RBD) interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a critical step in viral entry. Two garlic cultivars (Tigre and Fermín) were processed via oven-drying or freeze-drying, followed by maceration with CH₂Cl₂/MeOH (1:1) and fractionation with liquid–liquid partition. ELISA immunoassays revealed that freeze-dried Tigre (TL) extracts had the highest inhibitory activity (42.16% at 0.1 µg/mL), with its aqueous fraction achieving 57.26% inhibition at 0.01 µg/mL. Chemical profiling via GC-MS found sulfur and other types of compounds. Molecular docking identified three garlic TL-derived aqueous fraction compounds with strong binding affinities (ΔG = −7.5 to −6.9 kcal/mol) to the RBD-ACE2 interface. Furthermore, ADME in silico analysis highlighted one of them (L17) as the main candidate, having high gastrointestinal absorption, blood–brain barrier permeability, and compliance with drug-likeness criteria. These findings underscore garlic-derived compounds as promising inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry, calling for further preclinical validation. The study integrates experimental and computational approaches to advance natural product-based antiviral discovery, emphasizing the need for standardized formulations to address therapeutic variability across viral variants. Full article

The problems of food waste and packaging waste production currently force us to search for new solutions that are safe for people and the environment. Applying edible coatings directly onto food offers a sustainable method of maintaining shrimp freshness, eliminating the need for artificial preservatives and avoiding the high energy demands of conventional chemical or physical preservation techniques. In this study, starch materials modified with natural extracts from plants with proven health-promoting and antibacterial properties—rooibos and garlic—were obtained and tested. The structure, hydrophilicity, water vapor permeability, and thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained starch films were determined. The study further revealed that Escherichia coli was absent in all shrimp samples coated with starch-based films following seven days of refrigerated storage, in contrast to uncoated samples. For Staphylococcus aureus, coatings with rooibos extract resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial counts. Coatings with garlic extract showed a marginally reduced antibacterial effect. The effect of the coatings on the overall numbers of lactic acid bacteria and aerobic mesophilic bacteria was evaluated as well. Coatings enriched with rooibos were more effective in the early days of storage, while garlic-based coatings exhibited a less intense but more enduring antimicrobial effect. Full article

Cork oak (Quercus suber) forests are threatened by emergent fungal pathogen Diplodia corticola, which causes significant economic and ecological losses. This study evaluates the efficacy of synthetic and natural fungicides, as well as Bacillus antagonistic agents, against this phytopathogen in vitro and in vivo. Eighteen fungicidal agents were tested across three concentrations, whereas the bacterial antagonistic agents Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and a mixture of B. amyloliquefaciens + Bacillus mojavensis were tested at a fixed concentration. The assayed chemicals, including penconazole, clove oil, vanillin, and belthanol, showed 100 ± 0.0% radial growth inhibition (n = 24) and conidiation (n = 24), highlighting their potential as alternatives to benomyl and methyl thiophanate (Restricted in the European Union). In vivo assays further validated the efficacy of these agents in reducing symptom incidence and seedling mortality in cork oak seedlings. Similarly, the Bacillus-based treatments showed 47.6 ± 0.9% (n = 35) in vitro antagonistic effects and in vivo application on seedlings (n = 470) significantly reduced disease symptoms and supported physiological stability (GLMs with Tukey HSD post hoc). The study aimed to evaluate chemical, natural and biological control agents against this pathogen to identify effective management alternatives for forest nurseries and cork oak. Full article

This review examines strategies to enhance the antifungal properties of commercial soft lining materials (SLMs) through modification with plant-derived oils, extracts, and powders. These natural bioactive compounds act via multiple mechanisms, including disruption of fungal cell membranes, inhibition of biofilm formation, and interference with Candida albicans metabolism, the pathogen causing denture-associated candidiasis. Their incorporation into SLM provides localized antifungal activity at the denture–mucosa interface. The review highlights Aloe vera (aloe), Azadirachta indica (neem), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Cocos nucifera (coconut), Allium sativum (garlic), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), and chitosan as notable sources of phytotherapeutics that consistently inhibit C. albicans growth. In addition to antimicrobial effects, studies assessed both intrinsic (hardness, tensile strength, tear strength) and interfacial (bond strength) mechanical properties, as well as surface roughness. Most formulations maintained acceptable mechanical performance and improved surface smoothness. Key limitations include rapid leaching of active compounds, variability in testing methods, and insufficient in vivo and cytotoxicity data. Future research should prioritize the high-quality purification of natural extracts, the isolation of well-defined bioactive compounds, and the design of systems enabling selective and sustained release of these agents, ensuring reproducibility, enhanced stability, and clinical reliability of next-generation bioactive SLMs. Full article

This paper explores the structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of copper matrix composites (CMCs) enhanced by Crassostrea madrasensis seashell powder, which were produced via powder metallurgy and resistance sintering. FESEM images showed a uniform distribution of bio-ceramic particles in the copper matrix composites (CMCs), leading to an improved microstructure and enhanced mechanical behavior. Mechanical tests showed that after incorporating 12 wt.% seashell powder, the average hardness increased to 56 HV, and compressive strength improved to 686 MPa. Density analysis showed a decrease in porosity, which was attributed to better particle diffusion during sintering. The corrosion resistance was evaluated using electrochemical techniques, including OCPT, Tafel polarization, EIS, LSV, and chronocoulometry, which were employed in 3.5 wt.% NaCl media with varying concentrations of the extract of Allium sativum (garlic) as a green inhibitor. Garlic-derived phytochemicals facilitated surface passivation, which was proven by shifts in potential, reduced corrosion rates, and minor charge transfer. The findings confirm that Crassostrea madrasensis bio-ceramic reinforcements and garlic extract-based corrosion inhibition provide a sustainable method for improving the performance and durability of copper matrix composites. Full article