Search Results (93)

Background/Objectives: Pompia is an ancient, endemic citrus ecotype native to Sardinia (Italy), characterized by distinctive morphology and high content of bioactive compounds. Despite increasing interest, several aspects of this fruit, including its histological characteristics, remain poorly understood. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the anatomical features and spatial distribution of secretory cavities involved in essential oil (EO) production and accumulation, while also evaluating the EO’s chemical profile and associated biological activity. Methods: Pompia peel (flavedo and albedo) was subjected to histological analysis through fixation, dehydration, resin inclusion and sectioning. Sections were stained with 0.05% toluidine blue and observed under a light microscope to measure different parameters of secretory cavities. Essential oil (EO) was obtained from Pompia peel by hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. The biological activity of Pompia EO was assessed in vitro using NIH/3T3 fibroblasts, where wound-healing was evaluated by scratch assay and anti-senescence effects by β-galactosidase and γH2AX activity. Results: Microscopic analysis of the peel revealed pronounced variability in depth and size of the secretory cavities, along with the presence of lenticel-like structures in the epidermis. GC–MS analysis showed that Pompia EO is dominated by limonene (89%), with minor compounds including myrcene, geranial and neral. In vitro biological assays demonstrated that the EO promotes cell migration in a wound-healing model at concentrations ≥ 12.5 µg/mL and reduces markers of cellular senescence, including β-galactosidase activity and γH2AX foci, in etoposide-induced senescent fibroblasts. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides the first histological characterization of Pompia peel and confirms the bioactive potential of its EO. These findings support future applications in skin regeneration and anti-aging strategies and contribute to the valorization of this underexplored Citrus ecotype. Full article

In this study, we investigated the insecticidal potential of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Cymbopogon citratus Stapf essential oils (EOs), both alone and in synergistic blends with their primary active compounds, against adult houseflies (Musca domestica L.). Toxicity assessments were also conducted on non-target organisms—dwarf honeybees (Apis florea Fabricius) and guppies (Poecilia reticulata Peters)—to evaluate environmental safety. All binary EO mixtures demonstrated superior efficacy compared to individual EOs and the synthetic pyrethroid α-cypermethrin (1% positive control). The most potent formulation, combining 2.5% (v/v) geranial with 2.5% (v/v) E. globulus EO, exhibited a synergistic effect, achieving complete fly mortality (LT₅₀: 0.06 h). This mixture’s mortality index significantly exceeded those of single-component formulations, with a mortality index of 0.22, confirming greater toxicity to flies than α-cypermethrin. Importantly, all the tested EOs and their blends were non-toxic to honeybees and guppies; in comparison, α-cypermethrin caused significant harm. These findings highlight the 2.5% (v/v) geranial + 2.5% (v/v) E. globulus EO blend as a highly effective and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional insecticides. Further research is recommended to optimize its formulation for practical use in sustainable fly management. Full article

The Tuta absoluta species represents a significant threat to solanaceous crops globally and has developed resistance to conventional synthetic insecticides. This study investigated the insecticidal properties of essential oils (EOs) from Melaleuca alternifolia and Eucalyptus staigeriana against T. absoluta using the age-stage, two-sex life table methodology. Initially, the EOs of M. alternifolia and E. staigeriana were chemically characterized by gas chromatography (GC) techniques. In this analysis, we identified 19 compounds in M. alternifolia essential oil, with terpinen-4-ol, γ-terpinene, and α-terpinene as the predominant constituents. Eucalyptus staigeriana essential oil contained 25 identified compounds, predominantly limonene, terpinolene, geranial, and neral. Essential oils were dissolved in acetone and applied topically to larval stages. Both treatments significantly reduced pest longevity and adversely affected key demographic parameters. Melaleuca alternifolia treatment resulted in a substantial decrease in the intrinsic rate of population increase, indicating potential for population suppression. These findings support the potential application of M. alternifolia and E. staigeriana EOs as biological control agents against T. absoluta in integrated pest management programs. Full article

Lemon catnip (Nepeta cataria var. citriodora) is an underutilized aromatic and medicinal plant known for its high essential oil yield and distinctive lemon-like scent, and is widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, and biopesticide industries. Unlike typical catnip, it lacks nepetalactones and is rich in terpene alcohols, such as nerol and geraniol, making it a promising substitute for lemon balm. Despite its diverse applications, little attention has been paid to the valorization of byproducts from essential oil distillation, such as hydrolates and their secondary recovery oils. This study aimed to thoroughly analyze the volatile compound profiles of the essential oil from Lemon catnip and the recovery oil derived from its hydrolate over three consecutive growing seasons, with particular emphasis on how temperature and precipitation influence the major volatile constituents. The essential oil was obtained via semi-industrial steam distillation, producing hydrolate as a byproduct, which was then further processed using a Likens–Nickerson apparatus to extract the recovery oil, also known as secondary oil. Both essential and recovery oils were predominantly composed of terpene alcohols, with nerol (47.5–52.3% in essential oils; 43.5–54.3% in recovery oils) and geraniol (25.2–27.9% in essential oils; 29.4–32.6% in recovery oils) as the primary components. While sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were mostly confined to the essential oil, the recovery oil was distinguished by a higher presence of monooxygenated and more hydrophilic terpenes. Over the three-year period, elevated temperatures led to increased levels of geraniol, geranial, neral, and citronellal in both oils, whereas cooler conditions favored the accumulation of nerol and linalool, especially in the recovery oils. Higher precipitation was associated with elevated concentrations of nerol and linalool but decreased levels of geraniol, geranial, and neral, possibly due to dilution or degradation processes. Full article

The present study evaluated the larvicidal and pupicidal activities of pure and mixed monoterpene formulations—eucalyptol, geranial, trans-anethole, and trans-cinnamaldehyde—against Aedes aegypti and compared them with 1% (w/w) temephos. Safety bioassays of all formulations on non-target species confirmed their safety. The combined mixture of eucalyptol + trans-anethole at 400 µg/mL exhibited stronger larvicidal activity, with an LC₅₀ of 176 µg/mL, while the combination of trans-anethole + geranial at 400 µg/mL exhibited stronger pupicidal activity with an LC₅₀ of 167 µg/mL. Both formulations were more effective than a 1% temephos. All the mixture formulations were more strongly synergistic compared to pure formulations, with an increased mortality value (IMV) of 25% to 95%. External morphological aberrations observed at death included swelling of the respiratory system. Importantly, all the formulations were safe for two non-target species: guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and honeybees (Apis mellifera). The combination formulations are strong larvicides and pupicides for controlling Ae. Aegypti, which will help reduce the spread of viruses carried by this vector. Full article

Monoterpenes and their derivatives are important starting compounds in the design of new biologically active substances. In particular, cineole, isolated from eucalyptus essential oil, exhibits a wide range of biological activities. Here, the synthesis of new heterocyclic compounds containing a cineole fragment by the acid-catalyzed condensation of α-pinene-derived 8-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyllimonene with monoterpene aldehydes was carried out for the first time. The reactions of 8-hydroxy-6-hydroxymethyllimonene with cuminaldehyde, perillylaldehyde, myrtenal, citral, and geranial were studied in the presence of heterogeneous K10 clay or Lewis acid BF₃·Et₂O. The main products of these reactions were compounds with the methanopyrano[4,3-b]pyran scaffold having a 1,8-cineole fragment. As a result of this work, five new compounds with the methanopyrano[4,3-b]pyran scaffold were synthesized. The use of BF₃·Et₂O led to an increase in the yields of target products, compared with the results obtained on K10 clay. Full article

Pummelo (Citrus maxima) is an ancestral species that has given rise to several major citrus varieties, such as sweet orange (C. x aurantium var. sinensis) and grapefruit (C. x aurantium var. paradisi). This species is also cultivated and its fruit consumed, particularly in Asia. Over the course of evolution, the allogamous reproduction of pummelos and the absence of asexual multiplication have contributed to its diversification. To assess its phenotypic diversity and the chemical composition of leaf and peel essential oils, genetic analysis using DNA markers is an essential prerequisite to ensure the identity and if varieties belong to this species. Fifty-eight accessions classified as grapefruits or pummelos were analyzed using 42 SSRs, 4 Indels, and 36 SNP markers. Based on the allelic composition of these markers, 20 cultivars were detected belonging to pummelos, 18 cultivars to grapefruits, and 11 were interspecific hybrids. The grapefruit inter-cultivar SSR diversity is null. The genetic origin of five interspecific hybrids is elucidated. The level of phenotypic diversity and of essential oil composition corroborate the modes of diversification, with high levels for those resulting from crosses and very low levels for the group of grapefruit mutants. Only the characteristics of breeding selection (pulp color, acidity and aspermia) are variable in grapefruits. In the composition of leaf essential oils (LEOs), nine profiles were detected in grapefruits based on variations in six compounds (neral, geranial, β-phellandrene, γ-terpinene, (E)-β-ocimene, and β-pinene). The seven interspecific hybrids involving pummelo as one parent show particular LEO profiles but without specific compounds, with the exception of p-cymenene which is present only in Wheeny. The diversity of peel essential oils in pummelos is lower, but variations in γ-terpinene, β-pinene, limonene, and myrcene make it possible to define seven profiles. With genetic verification the chemical and phenotypic diversity of the two species, pummelo and grapefruit, revealed in this study can be used as a reference for behavior in a specific environment. Full article

Terpenoids are a large group of molecules present in several plant species and in many essential oils reported with cytotoxic and anticancer properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer activity of eleven acyclic terpenes; seven monoterpenoids: geranyl acetate (C1), geranic acid (C2), citral (C3, mixture of neral and geranial), geraniol (C4), methyl geranate (C5), nerol (C6) and citronellic acid (C7); two sesquiterpenes: farnesal (C8) and farnesol (C9); and one triterpene: squalene (C10), using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico models. Anti-lymphoma activity was evaluated using male Balb/c mice inoculated with U-937 cells. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated using the WST-1 method. Computer tools were used to obtain a molecular docking study, measuring pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the acyclic terpenoids with greater antitumor activity. The results showed that the terpenoids with the highest cytotoxic and nodal growth inhibitory activity were C3, C4, C6, and C9, and their effects were better compared to MTX. The data obtained suggest that the anti-lymphoma activity could be due to the presence of the aldehyde, hydroxyl, and acetate groups in the C1 of the monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes evaluated. The theoretical results obtained from molecular docking showed that geranial (C3A), neral (C3B), C9, and C6 terpenoids obtained a higher affinity for the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme and suggest that it could be a target to induce anti-lymphoma activity of bioactive terpenoids. Our study provides evidence that C3, C6, and C9 could be potential anticancer agents for the treatment of histiocytic lymphoma. Full article

In this study, we explored the use of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Mach–Zehnder interferometry for detecting compounds in complex mixtures separated by supercritical fluid chromatography. Each molecule was individually injected and analyzed by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) in a 10% alcoholic solution. The fingerprints obtained via the sensors were then compared to the fingerprints of the same molecules present in a lemon essential oil (EO) at the same dilution. The results show a remarkable correlation between UV sensors and electronic noses (e-nose), enabling compound detection. The obtained signals are normalized and presented as radar charts to visualize the specific olfactory signatures of each molecule. The olfactory profiles of monoterpenes C₁₀H₁₆ such as α-pinene and limonene show notable differences, as do the C₁₀H₁₆O isomers (citral, geranial, and neral). Mach–Zehnder interferometry also allows for the discrimination of limonene enantiomers, a challenging task for current chromatography techniques. Statistical analysis confirms the ability of these technologies to differentiate compounds, including isomers. Even if UV detection is more sensitive than SPR, e-noses (SPR and Mach–Zehnder interferometers) offer the unique advantage of providing specific signatures for each compound, facilitating real-time identification. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining e-noses with SFC for rapid, non-destructive detection of volatile compounds. This concept can be extended to other terpenoids and volatile compounds, and hybridization with gas chromatography could be a future potential development. Full article

The drying temperature is one of the main factors affecting the storage of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different drying temperatures (20, 35, 42, and 49 °C) on Mentha officinalis quality attributes (moisture content, color, chlorophyll content) and the composition of its essential oil (EO), as well as the environmental impact, to determine the optimum drying temperature for this herb. According to the current findings, higher temperatures resulted in shorter drying times. However, this was accompanied by increased energy consumption and higher carbon footprint per hour of operation. Both room temperature (20 °C) and high oven temperature (49 °C) led to a darker colored product (i.e., higher browning index). Drying at 20 °C resulted in a higher EO yield compared to drying at higher temperatures (42 and 49 °C). Furthermore, lower temperatures (20 and 35 °C) and the highest temperature (49 °C) significantly decreased the levels of the two major EO compounds (geranial and neral), whereas both compounds were found in higher levels when the plants were dried at 42 °C. On the other hand, plants dried at 42 °C appeared to have the lowest amount of citronellal, significantly lower than those dried at the other tested temperatures. The results suggest that the optimum temperature for drying M. officinalis is at 42 °C, as it maintained the quality attributes of the dried product while also resulting in high quality EO. Full article

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has potential for intercropping with banana (Musa spp.) plants, thus contributing to the sustainability of plantations. The study evaluated the growth and yield of ‘Prata Anã’ banana and seasonality, yield and essential oil properties of lemongrass grown in intercropping and the land equivalent ratio. A randomized block design in a split plot arrangement was used, evaluating two cropping systems (sole crop and intercropping) and three harvest seasons during the year for lemongrass and two harvest seasons for banana, separately. The banana can be intercropped with lemongrass without interfering with its growth and production. The biomass production and essential oil yield of lemongrass differed according to cropping system and seasonality. The chemical composition of the essential oil showed stability in the concentration of citral (mixture of neral and geranial), with an average of 94.43%. Seasonal variations were observed in the content of these compounds and other components of the essential oil, emphasizing the importance of the time of harvest in the overall value of the oil. The result demonstrates the viability of intercropping, which not only provides crop yields for both species and produces more per unit area than a sole crop but also optimizes the use of resources and promotes more sustainable farming practices. Full article

The production of Ocimum basilicum (basil) crop depends upon the availability of all nutrients in the soil solution. There is a lack of information about its performance, at tropical conditions, using new fertilizer formulations, such as organo-mineral fertilizers, mainly under protected cultivation. These types of fertilizers combine benefits of the main fertilizers used in agriculture (organic and chemical). Therefore, organo-mineral fertilizers enhance soil health, provide a balanced nutrient supply, improve crop yields and quality. and promote environmental sustainability, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution for sustainable crop production. This work aimed to evaluate the biomass and essential oil of basil varieties, with organo-mineral fertilization in different agricultural systems. Each experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, with three replications in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, being two varieties of basil (“Sweet Dani” and “Cinnamon”) and four fertilizers: organo-mineral source, mineral source, organic source and the natural fertility of the soil. The evaluated characteristics were plant height, fresh biomass of plants, content, yield and the chemical composition of the essential oil. The organo-mineral sources of fertilizer provide better values for fresh biomass (average of 1175.90 and 1032.83 g per plant via greenhouse cultivation and field cultivation, respectively), essential oil yield (14.57 and 11.89 g per plant via greenhouse cultivation and field cultivation, respectively) and the dominant compounds for both cultivars of O. basilicum. Protected cultivation is the better environmental condition for obtaining the highest performance of O. basilicum cultivars about biomass and essential oil. The content of essential oil is not affected by the agricultural systems (greenhouse and field). The major compounds of essential oil under Brazilian crop conditions are Linalol and (E)-mehyl cinnamate in “Cinnamon” and neral and geranial (citral) in “Sweet Dani”. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), such as leishmaniasis, remain a global health challenge due to limited therapeutic options and rising drug resistance. In this study, we developed an advanced nanogel formulation incorporating curcumin (CUR) and Pectis brevipedunculata essential oil (EOPb) within an F127/Carbopol 974P matrix to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy against Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (LLa) promastigotes. Methods: The chemical profile of EOPb was determined through GC-MS and NMR analyses, confirming the presence of key bioactive monoterpenes such as neral, geranial, $\alpha$-pinene, and limonene. The nanogel formulation (nGPC) was optimized to ensure thermosensitivity, and stability, exhibiting a sol–gel transition at physiological temperatures. Rheological analysis revealed that nGPC exhibited Newtonian behavior at 5 °C, transitioning to shear-thinning and thixotropic characteristics at 25 and 32 °C, respectively. This behavior facilitates its application and controlled drug release, making it ideal for topical formulations. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis demonstrated that nGPC maintained a stable nanoscale structure with hydrodynamic radius below 300 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed strong molecular interactions between EOPb, CUR, and the polymer matrix. Biological assays demonstrated that nGPC significantly enhanced anti-promastigote activity compared to free CUR and OEPb. Results: At the highest tested concentration (50 μg/mL EOPb and 17.5 μg/mL CUR) nGPC induced over 88% mortality in LLa promastigotes across 24, 48, and 72 h, indicating sustained efficacy. Even at lower concentrations, nGPC retained dose-dependent activity, suggesting a synergistic effect between CUR and EOPb. These findings highlight the potential of nGPC as an innovative nanocarrier for daylight photodynamic therapy (dPDT) in the treatment of leishmaniasis. Future studies will investigate the underlying mechanisms of this synergism and explore the potential application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to further enhance therapeutic outcomes. Full article

The present study investigated the volatile constituents of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) grown in a greenhouse environment in Serbia, marking the first commercial cultivation of the plant for essential oil production in the region. The essential oils and hydrolates obtained through steam distillation were analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and the resulting chemical data were further processed using chemometric methods. This study applied quantitative structure retention relationship (QSRR) analysis, employing molecular descriptors (MDs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs) to predict the retention indices (RIs) of the compounds. A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to select the most relevant MDs for this predictive modeling. A total of 29 compounds were annotated in the essential oils, with geranial and neral being the dominant components, while 37 compounds were detected in the hydrolates. The ANN models effectively predicted the RIs of both essential oils and hydrolates, demonstrating high statistical accuracy and low prediction errors. This research offers valuable insights into the chemical profile of lemongrass cultivated in temperate conditions and advances QSRR modeling for essential oil analysis. Full article

This study examined the impact of organic manures from different sources (poultry, sheep, and cattle) on lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae) during different harvests. Manure application increased the photosynthetic pigments levels (chlorophyll-a, 9–41%; chlorophyll-b, 24–60%), biomass (41–60%), and essential oil yield (60–71%). Sheep manure treatment exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity among all the manures tested. Through GC-MS and GC-FID analysis, 10 chemical constituents were identified in the essential oil, accounting together for 91–95% of the total composition. The primary chemical component was geranial (39–46%), followed by neral (28–35%), (E)-caryophyllene (4.7–11%), geranyl acetate (2.7–5.9%), and caryophyllene oxide (1.7–4.8%). The utilization of livestock manures significantly improved the quality of the essential oil in terms of neral and geranial percentages compared to the control. Notably, during mid-August and early October, there was a substantial rise in these valuable compounds. However, a decrease in geranyl acetate and oxygenated monoterpenes resulted in a decline of the antioxidant capacity to 3%. Consequently, it is recommended to utilize essential oils from the second and third harvests for industrial purposes. Overall, the use of livestock manures, especially sheep manure, as a nutrient source for lemon balm cultivation, proves to be a viable approach for producing high-quality essential oils. Full article