Search Results (943)

Chitosan-based silver nanoparticles (Ch-AgNPs) are emerging as promising antimicrobial materials with potential applications in crop protection. This study evaluated the formulation-dependent antimicrobial activity and plant compatibility of Ch-AgNPs synthesized from chitosan extracted via different routes from shrimp shells. Antibacterial activity was assessed against representative Gram-negative and Gram-positive model bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), as well as phytopathogenic bacteria (Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas syringae), using disk diffusion assays. Antifungal activity was evaluated against Fusarium graminearum in vitro and in a controlled growth chamber. All formulations exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with L10 and L20 formulations derived from optimized lactic acid-based extraction routes and DP4 derived from an inorganic deproteinization-based extraction route showing the highest efficacy at 1.0 mg/mL. Strong antifungal activity was observed, particularly for L10 and DP4, achieving mycelial growth inhibition of 92% and 84%, respectively, at 1.0 mg/mL. Seed germination and seedling growth assays confirmed that all formulations were non-phytotoxic at 1.0 mg/mL, with L10 and DP4 significantly enhancing germination parameters and early plant growth. Under controlled conditions, these formulations also reduced the incidence and severity of crown and root rot in spring wheat caused by F. graminearum. These findings demonstrate that optimized Ch-AgNP formulations combine antimicrobial activity with plant compatibility, highlighting their potential for crop protection, pending further environmental safety and agronomic validation under field conditions. Full article

The genus Myricaria is one of the four genera within the Tamaricaceae family. It comprises 13 species distributed across Eurasia. Phytochemical studies carried out on Myricaria plants revealed the presence of flavonoids (including rare, sulfated derivatives), tannins, phenolic acid derivatives, triterpenoids, steroids, and alkanediols. Studies on the extracts and compounds isolated from the described to date have demonstrated various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, analgesic, antinociceptive, cholinergic, and glucose absorption reducing properties. This work provides a comprehensive overview of the botanical and detailed phytochemical characteristics, ornamental value, pharmacological properties, and traditional uses of the Myricaria genus representatives. The article fills a longstanding gap in the literature as no other integrative description is currently available. Full article

Antibiotic resistance has become a significant challenge for global health. Exploring novel antimicrobial compounds as alternatives to antibiotics is increasingly prominent in combating resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by various organisms, are considered natural antibiotic candidates that can be used against multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The snakin family of plant-based AMPs is a promising candidate for use in the agriculture, food and pharmaceutical industries due to its antimicrobial activity against both phytopathogenic and clinical species. This review summarizes current AMP databases and the snakin family of plant AMPs deposited in the Universal Protein Resource, UniProt. It also provides knowledge about potential uses of this family in biotechnology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance, an evolutionarily entrenched microbial capacity amplified by extensive antibiotic exposure, has increased the burden of difficult-to-treat infections caused by priority pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study, we assessed whether phytochemical-rich extracts from fully ripe Rosa canina pseudo-fruits (WF) and fully developed Colchicum autumnale flowers (CA) can provide combined antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm effects against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods: Plant materials were processed using seven extraction systems spanning non-polar to polar conditions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, aqueous, 40% ethanol, 60% ethanol, and enzyme-assisted hydrolysis). Fractions were quantified for total phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins, evaluated for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP), tested for antibacterial activity (disc diffusion and MIC/MBC), and assessed for inhibition of early biofilm attachment. Differences among extraction methods and fractions were analyzed using standard comparative statistics (group comparisons across solvents/fractions), and relationships between chemical composition and bioactivity were examined using correlation-based analysis. Results: Extraction strategy emerged as the main determinant of bioactivity across endpoints. The WFE/ENZ fraction maximized phytochemical recovery (TPC 203.34 ± 11.55 mg GAE/g DW; TFC 35.67 ± 3.06 mg QE/g DW; TTC 53.00 ± 2.65 mg TAE/g DW) and showed strong antioxidant performance (DPPH IC₅₀ 33.60 ± 0.02 μg/mL; FRAP A₇₀₀ 1.90 ± 0.010 at 250 μg/mL). Antibacterial effects were strongest in polar fractions, particularly hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extracts, while n-hexane fractions were consistently weakest. Across eight clinical isolates and three reference strains, MIC values ranged from 0.04875 to 6.25 mg/mL for WF extracts and 0.0975–12.5 mg/mL for CA extracts. In the biofilm model, suppression of early attachment was most consistent for CAE/E60–ENZ and WFE/E40–E60–ENZ fractions. Conclusions: Correlation analysis indicated that antibacterial potency aligned primarily with flavonoid levels in R. canina pseudo-fruits and with tannin content in C. autumnale material. Overall, these results support hydroethanolic and enzyme-assisted extraction as rational strategies to enrich polyphenol-dense fractions with convergent antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity, reinforcing plant-derived matrices as a structured discovery space for developing complementary antimicrobial solutions beyond conventional antibiotics. Notably, this is among the first studies to evaluate the antibacterial potential of C. autumnale plant material in this context and to comprehensively assess R. canina pseudo-fruit extracts against multidrug-resistant clinical. Full article

The increasing global demand for animal-derived food products, combined with growing environmental and public health concerns, has intensified the search for sustainable strategies in livestock production. Among emerging nutritional approaches, phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have gained attention as natural alternatives to conventional synthetic growth promoters. PFAs, derived from herbs, spices, essential oils, and plant extracts, contain diverse bioactive compounds such as phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and saponins. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities that can support animal health, productivity, and product quality. Current research indicates that PFAs positively influence digestive physiology by modulating gut microbiota, improving intestinal integrity, and stimulating digestive enzyme secretion. These mechanisms enhance nutrient utilization, feed efficiency, and growth performance. In addition, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of plant-derived compounds strengthen the ability of animals to cope with physiological stress and disease, potentially reducing reliance on synthetic antimicrobials and supporting antibiotic-free production systems. PFAs may also improve reproductive performance and physiological stability, particularly in small livestock species and indigenous breeds. Beyond productivity benefits, phytogenic additives contribute to environmental sustainability by improving feed conversion efficiency and reducing nutrient excretion. The present literature review confirms that although variability in plant composition and the need for standardization remain challenges, PFAs represent a valuable component of integrated nutritional strategies aimed at achieving resilient, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable livestock production systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Achillea millefolium is a well-known medicinal plant recognized in several pharmacopeias, while the Balkan endemic species Achillea clypeolata lacks a pharmacopeial monograph and remains insufficiently studied despite its traditional use. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the phytochemical composition and biological potential of both species. Methods: Chemical composition was studied using UHPLC-MS/MS, HPLC, and FT-IR; anti-inflammatory potential was analyzed by erythrocyte membrane stabilization assay (heat- and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis); and enzyme-inhibitory activity was tested against collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase. In addition, antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and DCFDA assays; antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method; and cytotoxic potential was investigated by the MTT assay. Results: The major constituents in water–ethanolic extracts were quinic acid derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins, with chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, cosmosiin, cynaroside, rutin, and hyperoside as dominant in both species. Extracts exhibited marked anti-inflammatory activity, where A. millefolium provided greater protection under heat-induced hemolysis, and both extracts showed comparable efficacy under osmotic stress. Concentration-dependent inhibition of collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase, and tyrosinase (concentration from 62.5 to 1000 µg/mL), along with significant antioxidant activity in ABTS and DPPH assays, was observed. In MRC-5 cells, the extracts reduced AAPH-induced ROS levels up to 50 µg/mL, while higher concentrations showed diminished effects. Moderate cytotoxicity was observed, with A. clypeolata displaying stronger effects at 50–100 µg/mL. Both Achillea species exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with pronounced effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: The results support the traditional use of Achillea species and highlight A. clypeolata as a promising, yet underexplored, source of bioactive compounds for dermatological and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Fungal and bacterial pathogens significantly impact global crop yields, causing substantial economic losses and food insecurity. While chemical pesticides are effective, their excessive and improper use poses risks to the environment and human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)—components of innate immunity in plants and animals—are promising candidates for the development of novel, eco-friendly antimicrobials for agriculture and medicine. This study explores the antimicrobial activity of several γ-core peptides derived from defensins of Thinopyrum elongatum, a wild plant species known for its stress resistance. All peptides carried a net positive charge. 3D structural modeling indicated that most peptides adopted an α-helical conformation, with one predicted to form an anti-parallel β-hairpin structure. The conservation of the γ-core peptide sequences across Poaceae defensins was demonstrated, underscoring the importance of these peptide regions in biological functions of defensins. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated that all peptides exhibited broad-spectrum activity, with efficacy depending on the peptide’s amino acid sequence, 3D structure, and the pathogen tested. Notably, the peptide with the highest positive charge and β-hairpin structure showed the strongest pathogen inhibition. Additionally, synergistic interactions between some peptides against Fusarium oxysporum, which enhanced their antimicrobial effects, were shown. Our findings highlight the potential of wheatgrass γ-core peptides as templates for developing new peptide-based antimicrobials for agricultural and medical applications. Full article

Hydrodistillation of aromatic plants for essential oil production generates substantial amounts of solid and liquid residues that are commonly discarded despite their potential value as sources of bioactive compounds. In this study, the essential oil and post-distillation residues of Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja were evaluated within a waste-to-value framework to recover phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Dry extracts obtained from liquid (DEA) and solid (DEE) residues were characterized in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacity (DPPH assays), and antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. Quantitative HPLC–PDA analysis revealed multiple phenolic compounds. Extracts derived from solid residues exhibited significantly higher phenolic and flavonoid contents and stronger antioxidant activity than those obtained from liquid residues, indicating that solid by-products constitute a richer phenolic matrix. Antimicrobial assays revealed pronounced activity for extracts prepared from plant material harvested in October, particularly those based on propylene glycol and glycerin, which were effective against both Gram-positive bacteria and selected Gram-negative clinical isolates. The essential oil showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, including inhibition of Aspergillus niger. Stability studies demonstrated that the phenolic composition and bioactivity of the dry extracts were largely preserved after one year of storage. These findings demonstrate that R. tomentosum hydrodistillation residues represent a promising source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, supporting their potential utilization as value-added ingredients in food and cosmetic applications and contributing to circular economy strategies. Full article

Due to its abundant content of biologically active compounds, Althaea officinalis L. (marshmallow) has been extensively researched and applied in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to evaluate hydroethanolic and natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) extracts from leaves, flowers, and roots in terms of their chemical composition and biological activities. Extracts were characterized using chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC-MS revealed a diverse composition, with 35 secondary metabolites identified or tentatively assigned, mainly hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides. GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extracts identified ten free amino acids, seven organic acids, several mono- and disaccharides, and one oligosaccharide. Their concentrations varied across different parts of the plant depending on the specific metabolism of the respective organ. Ethanolic extracts showed the highest total phenolic content (up to 176 mg GAE/L), while flower extracts exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH up to 89 µmol TE/L). The antimicrobial potential of the extracts was assessed by the agar well diffusion method. NADES1 extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones reaching up to ~34 mm, whereas NADES2 extracts were largely inactive. In contrast, antifungal activity was negligible or absent across all samples. Full article

Gemmotherapy is a branch of phytotherapy based on the use of extracts derived from plant meristematic tissues, including buds, young shoots, and sprouts. Due to their embryonic nature and high metabolic activity, these tissues constitute a concentrated source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, phytohormones, amino acids, vitamins, and enzymes. The unique phytochemical profile of bud extracts, together with synergistic interactions within the phytocomplex, contributes to their enhanced biological activity compared to mature plant materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on the chemical composition, extraction technologies, and biological properties of gemmotherapeutic preparations. Particular attention is given to both traditional and modern extraction methods, including glycerin maceration and pulsed ultrasound-assisted extraction, as well as factors affecting the quality and variability of the obtained extracts. Available evidence indicates that gemmotherapeutic preparations exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. These properties suggest their potential application as supportive agents in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and infections, as well as in functional foods and natural cosmetics. However, the lack of standardized production protocols, variability of raw materials, and limited clinical evidence remain significant challenges. Further research focusing on advanced analytical techniques, metabolomic profiling, and clinical validation is essential for the integration of gemmotherapy into evidence-based medicine. Full article

Background: Endophytic fungi are known for diverse bioactive compounds with immense potential for agriculture and medicinal applications. Coniochaeta dendrobiicola isolated from the roots of Dedrobium longicornu was investigated for its antioxidant and metabolite composition. The present study compares the antioxidant properties, flavonoid and phenolic contents and metabolic profiles of broth and mycelium extracts. The broth and mycelium extracts were tested for their antioxidant potential using DPPH, while the total flavonoid and phenolic contents were measured using a UV–VIS spectrophotometer. High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) revealed a markedly richer and more diverse metabolite profile of putatively annotated compounds in the broth extract compared with the mycelium fraction. The broth extract exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity and flavonoid and phenolic contents, correlating with the presence of diverse bioactive compounds, including indole derivatives, flavonoids, phenolic acids, quinoline derivatives, and antifungal metabolites. Notably, several indole-related and phenolic compounds detected predominantly in the broth are known for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and plant growth-promoting properties. These findings indicate that C. dendrobiicola actively secretes biologically relevant secondary metabolites into the extracellular medium, highlighting its potential for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

The depletion of natural resources has emerged as a major global concern, accelerating the transition from petroleum-based to renewable materials. The development of biobased ‘active’ materials is emerging especially in food packaging to ensure safety and functionality. Such packaging systems containing bioactive ingredients provide effective antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective features extending food shelf life. In this context, plant-derived secondary metabolites have gained substantial interest as functional reinforcements. These compounds not only provide food protection but also contribute to environmental safety owing to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and compostability. However, their high production costs remain a major challenge to large-scale applications. Therefore, the valorization of agro-food byproducts/wastes has been increasingly promoted. This review aims to discuss the combined use of plant secondary metabolites and biopolymers for the development of innovative packaging solutions, highlighting recent advances and functional performance. Furthermore, key challenges limiting their real-world applicability are addressed. In particular, the intrinsic hydrophilicity of many biobased materials compromises their moisture barrier and mechanical stability. To overcome this limitation, the use of biobased hydrophobic ingredients including natural waxes has emerged as a sustainable and effective approach to enhance water resistance while preserving the bioactive functionality of the packaging materials. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, making the search for new therapeutic strategies to prevent or mitigate cardiac damage mandatory. Essential oils, long used in traditional medicine, contain terpenoids as their most prominent constituents, and these molecules have emerged as promising cardioprotective agents. The review compiles 45 articles investigating the effects of plant-derived terpenoids on cardiovascular health. Evidence shows that their therapeutic properties rely on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-remodeling, antiarrhythmic, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, antidiabetic and antimicrobial actions. These effects result from the modulation of molecular pathways altered during cardiovascular diseases, resulting in oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, fibrosis, ion channel dysregulation, alteration of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis. Key mechanisms of terpenes healing properties include activation of endogenous antioxidant defense—mainly via Nrf2-, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammosome-mediated pyroptosis and reduction in lipid oxidation involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation. Their therapeutic potential is reinforced by low toxicity profiles and broad botanical availability. However, challenges related to their translation to therapeutic practice remain unresolved, such as low bioavailability, limited yield and scarce results in human in vitro models. Future research should focus on nano- and micro-delivery systems, biotechnological production strategies and the use of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Despite these limitations, terpenes represent valuable templates for developing more potent and clinically viable therapeutic agents. Further studies of this family are encouraged due to its promising ability to treat cardiovascular disorders. Full article

Increasing incidence of candidiasis and emergence of antifungal resistance necessitate the development of alternative antifungal strategies. In this context, the antifungal activity of the crude extract of Punica granatum L. peel (PGPE) and its chitosan nanoparticle-coated formulation (PGPE-CSNPs) was investigated against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Candida glabrata (ATCC 66032), Candida kefyr (ATCC 46764), Candida parapsilosis (ATCC 22019), and Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803). Although the individual antimicrobial activities of PGPE and CSNPs have been investigated, their combined application against Candida spp. remains unexplored in the literature. The antifungal efficacy was evaluated using agar well diffusion, disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) testing, and compared with fluconazole and amphotericin B. The morphological characterization of PGPE-CSNPs was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed successful encapsulation and revealed a smoother surface with uniformly distributed nanometric pore structures and reduced aggregation compared to uncoated CSNPs. PGPE-CSNPs showed greater inhibition zones than amphotericin B, except against C. albicans. The CSNPs formulation reduced the MIC from 8 µg/mL to 4 µg/mL and the MFC from 16 µg/mL to 8 µg/mL, representing a two-fold enhancement against C. albicans. No enhancement in activity was observed against C. glabrata, whereas for C. kefyr, only MFC values decreased from 8 µg/mL to 4 µg/mL. For both C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, MIC values reduced from 16 µg/mL to 8 µg/mL, and MFC values reduced from 32 µg/mL to 16 µg/mL for both species. PGPE-CSNPs exhibited significantly lower MIC and MFC values than the crude extract alone (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that chitosan-based nanocarriers may enhance the antifungal efficacy of plant-derived bioactive compounds, highlighting their potential as a promising alternative antifungal strategy, a combinatorial approach not previously reported in the literature. Full article

When in contact with microbes or other pathogens plants develop an induced defense response. This reaction is triggered by pathogen-derived molecules that provoke the so-called microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)-triggered immunity (MTI) or pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI). Recognition of a MAMP or PAMP by a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) activates rapid downstream signaling, manifested in, e.g., a rise in the cytosolic Ca²⁺ concentration. As a consequence, defense-related genes are expressed and antimicrobial substances are produced. There is also evidence that Ca²⁺-induced responses show a refractory behavior in plant cells, as the reaction to an identical stimulus applied shortly after the first one is strongly suppressed, if it can be observed at all. Subsequent elicitations over a longer period of time, on the other hand, can trigger stronger Ca²⁺ responses, which lead to so-called “defense priming”. Although refractory behavior has been documented in various plant cell types, its underlying function and causative mechanisms remain unclear. In this review article we give an overview of the refractory machinery, including elicitors, receptors, typical Ca²⁺ responses, and signal transduction pathways. We shed light on possible explanatory scenarios and address open questions. Full article