Search Results (268)

Transforming industrial by-products into new resources is a fundamental principle of sustainable agriculture and circular bioeconomy. Waste products from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) essential oil extraction, such as exhausted biomass and water residues (WRs), are rich in bioactive compounds like phenols and terpenes. These by-products may represent a promising and economically viable option for agricultural management, particularly in weed control. This study evaluates the potential use of WR as a bioherbicide. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the inhibitory effects of WR on the germination and seedling morphology (root and shoot development) of four detrimental weed species for temperate cropping systems: two monocotyledonous (Alopecurus myosuroides and Lolium multiflorum) and two dicotyledonous (Sinapis alba and Amaranthus retroflexus). WR was tested at four concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100), corresponding to an increasing gradient of WR, with 100 representing pure WR. The results showed that WR did not significantly inhibit germination in A. myosuroides, L. multiflorum and S. alba, whereas A. retroflexus exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition, with germination reduced by 37.5%, 64.5%, and 91.6% at doses of 25, 50, and 100, respectively, compared with the control (dose 0). Furthermore, germination delays were observed across all tested species with promising application of WR for regulating weed–crop competitive interactions in the early crop growth stages. Results on the morphological traits of weed seedlings showed that WR application affected root more than shoot growth inhibition. In particular, WR demonstrated a pronounced root inhibitory effect in A. myosuroides, L. multiflorum, and A. retroflexus. In contrast, a dose-dependent increase in root length was observed for S. alba (21.41 mm at dose 0 and 25.77 mm, 30.97 mm and 35.96 mm, respectively, at doses 25, 50, and 100). The results of this study highlight the potential application of WR as a sustainable solution to be included in an integrated weed management (IWM) toolbox and underscore their role in promoting the valorization of waste from essential oil production. Full article

This study, conducted in Southern Italy in 2023, investigated the effects of a dynamic agrivoltaics (AV) system on microclimate, water consumption, plant growth, and essential oil yield in six medicinal species: lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L. ‘Royal purple’), lemmon thyme (Thymus citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb. ar. ‘Aureus’), common thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. ‘Severn seas’), mint (Mentha spicata L. ‘Moroccan’), and sage (Salvia officinalis L. subsp. Officinalis). Due to the rotating solar panels, two distinct ground zones were identified: a consistently shaded area under the panels (UP), and a partially shaded area between the panels (BP). These were compared to an adjacent full-sun control area (T). Microclimate parameters, including solar radiation, air and leaf infrared temperature, and soil temperature, were recorded throughout the cultivation season. Reference evapotranspiration (ET_O) was calculated using Turc’s method, and crop evapotranspiration (ET_C) was estimated with species-specific crop coefficients (K_C). Results showed significantly lower microclimatic values in the UP plot compared to both BP and especially T, resulting in ET_C reductions of 81.1% in UP and 13.1% in BP relative to T, an advantage in water-scarce environments. Growth and yield responses varied among species and treatment plots. Except for mint, all species showed a significant reduction in fresh biomass (40.1% to 48.8%) under the high shading of UP compared to T. However, no biomass reductions were observed in BP. Notably, essential oil yields were higher in both UP and BP plots (0.60–2.63%) compared to the T plot (0.51–1.90%). These findings demonstrate that dynamic AV systems can enhance water use efficiency and essential oil yield, offering promising opportunities for sustainable, high-quality medicinal crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

This study evaluated the antifungal potential of essential oils (EOs): oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and basil (Ocimum basilicum). These oils were tested against fungi isolated from banana peels (Musa paradisiaca). The fungi tested were identified through macroscopic and microscopic analyses and DNA sequencing, after being isolated in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium modified with 0.05% chloramphenicol. Subsequently, the antifungal properties of the tested essential oils were evaluated in vitro at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm prepared in a 0.05% Tween 80 solution. Cinnamon EOs showed the highest antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting the growth of pathogens at a concentration of 400 ppm. Other EOs showed moderate effects at higher concentrations: rosemary inhibited fungal growth at 600 ppm, oregano at 800 ppm, and clove at 1000 ppm. These findings highlight the potential of EOs as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the post-harvest management of bananas. It is recommended to conduct future research to assess the economic viability and practical impacts of large-scale applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli in food and clinical environments necessitates new, clean-label antimicrobials. This study assessed eight Greek native essential oils—oregano, thyme, dittany, rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cistus and helichrysum—for activity against six genetically and phenotypically diverse E. coli strains (reference, pNorm, mecA, mcr-1, blaOXA and O157:H7). We aimed to identify oils with broad-spectrum efficacy and clarify the chemical constituents responsible. Methods: Disk-diffusion assays measured inhibition zones at dilutions from 50% to 1.56% (v/v). MIC and MBC values were determined by broth microdilution. GC–MS profiling identified dominant components, and Spearman rank-order correlations (ρ) linked composition to activity. Shapiro–Wilk tests (W = 0.706–0.913, p ≤ 0.002) indicated non-normal data, so strain comparisons used Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVA with Dunn’s post hoc and Bonferroni correction. Results: Oregano, thyme and dittany oils—rich in carvacrol and thymol—exhibited the strongest activity, with MIC/MBC ≤ 0.0625% (v/v) against all strains and inhibition zones > 25 mm at 50%. No strain-specific differences were detected (H = 0.30–3.85; p = 0.998–0.571; p_adj = 1.000). Spearman correlations confirmed that carvacrol and thymol content strongly predicted efficacy (ρ = 0.527–0.881, p < 0.001). Oils dominated by non-phenolic terpenes (rosemary, peppermint, lavender, cistus, helichrysum) showed minimal or no activity. Conclusions: Phenolic-rich EOs maintain potent, strain-independent antimicrobial effects—including against multidrug-resistant and O157:H7 strains—via a multi-target mode that overcomes classical resistance. Their low-dose efficacy and GRAS status support their use as clean-label food preservatives or adjuncts to antibiotics or bacteriophages to combat antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) are widely recognized for their antifungal properties, but their efficacy against specific phytopathogenic fungi associated with banana (Musa paradisiaca) rot remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal potential of EOs from Origanum vulgare, Salvia rosmarinus, Syzygium aromaticum, Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamomum verum, and Ocimum basilicum against five fungal species isolated from infected banana peels. Fungal isolates were obtained using PDA medium supplemented with chloramphenicol and were purified by weekly subculturing. Morphological and microscopic characterization was complemented by molecular identification based on ITS sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction using Neighbor-Joining and UPGMA methods in MEGA v11. In vitro and ex vivo antifungal assays were performed at EO concentrations ranging from 200 to 1000 ppm. Thyme oil exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect, with complete growth suppression at 1000 ppm. Cinnamon and oregano also demonstrated effective inhibition at 600 ppm, while clove, rosemary, and basil were markedly less effective. Statistical analysis confirmed significant effects of EO type and concentration on fungal growth (p < 0.001). Molecular results showed strong phylogenetic support for isolate identification, with bootstrap values above 93% in most clades. These findings support the selective use of specific EOs as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the postharvest management of banana diseases and provide a molecularly supported basis for their targeted application in integrated control strategies. Full article

Preservatives are essential for ensuring the stability, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. However, synthetic preservatives often raise toxicity concerns. This study evaluated Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extracts and coffee by-products from Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora as potential natural preservatives for emulsions. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, along with cytotoxicity tests on human keratinocytes and antioxidant activity. The most effective extracts were incorporated into an oil-in-water emulsion for evaluation. C. arabica extracts showed the best results among coffee samples, with 43.53 mg GAE/g (gallic acid equivalents) and 2.32 mg QE/g of total phenolics (quercetin equivalents) and flavonoids, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 12.5 mg/mL against Escherichia coli, and 25 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Rosemary extract showed 158.01 ± 23.67 mg GAE/g and 1.95 ± 0.05 mg QE/g, with MICs of 2.5 mg/mL against E. coli, 1.25 mg/mL against P. aeruginosa, 0.3 mg/mL against S. aureus, and 0.08 mg/mL against Candida albicans. However, rosemary extracts displayed complete inhibition of keratinocyte growth at 20 µg/mL. A combination of both extracts had synergistic effects against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The emulsion met microbial safety standards in the challenge test for bacteria but not yeast. The results suggest that rosemary extracts enhance the potential of coffee by-product as a preservative system, and as a multifunctional excipient system in cosmetics, offering preservation and antioxidant protection. However, further strategies, such as adding other ingredients or adjusting the formulation pH, are required to ensure yeast inhibition. Full article

The quality and authenticity of honey are of crucial importance for food safety and consumer confidence. Given the increasing interest in enriched honey and potential fraud, rapid and non-destructive analytical methods for quality assessment, such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), are needed. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate the applicability of NIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric methods to assess the quality change in honey from three different countries, after addition of five different aromatic plants (lavender, rosemary, oregano, sage, and white pine oil) in three different concentrations (0.5%, 0.8% and 1%). Measurements of basic physicochemical properties, color, antioxidant activity, and NIR spectra were performed for all samples (pure honey and honey with added aromatic plants). Chemometric models, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, were applied to analyze spectral data, correlate spectra with physicochemical properties, color and antioxidant activity measurements, and develop classification and prediction models. Spectral changes in the NIR region, as expected, showed the ability to distinguish samples depending on the type and concentration of added aromatic plants. Chemometric models enabled efficient discrimination between pure and enriched honey samples, as well as assessment of the influence of different additives on antioxidant activity and color. The results highlight the potential of NIRS as a rapid, non-destructive and environmentally friendly method for quality monitoring and detection of specific additives in honey, offering technical support for quality control and food safety regulation. Full article

Fresh-cut potatoes are highly perishable, requiring effective preservation strategies to maintain quality and extend shelf life. This study evaluated the use of edible coatings and the combination of osmotic dehydration and ohmic heating (OH-OD), both integrated with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), to enhance microbial stability and reduce quality deterioration. Key quality parameters—including color stability, browning index, weight loss, microbial activity, and sensory attributes—were assessed. Results showed that coated samples (E-FP) had the lowest browning index (59.71) by day 8, compared to a value of 62.69 in control samples (C-FP). OH-OD-treated samples exhibited the least weight loss (6.73%) versus 17.75% in C-FP. Microbial analysis showed that E-FP samples maintained the lowest total viable count by day 8 (3.98 ± 0.02 log CFU/g), compared to OH-OD-FP (4.43 ± 0.13 log CFU/g) and C-FP (4.79 ± 0.06 log CFU/g), confirming the antimicrobial efficacy of the edible coating enriched with rosemary essential oil and ascorbic acid. Sensory evaluation further confirmed that coated samples retained superior sensory qualities, receiving the highest overall acceptance score of 8.86 ± 0.80, compared to values of 7.80 ± 0.98 for control samples (C-FP) and 2.80 ± 0.69 for OH-OD-FP samples, highlighting their enhanced consumer appeal. These findings highlight that combining advanced preservation techniques with MAP can significantly reduce moisture loss and microbial spoilage while maintaining freshness and sensory appeal. This integrated approach offers a promising solution for extending shelf life, reducing food waste, and supporting sustainability in response to consumer demand for minimally processed, high-quality fresh products. Full article

Mastitis is a common condition in dairy cattle that causes huge losses globally. The inflammation is caused by the invasion of the teat canal by pathogens, including hard-to-control single-cell microalgae of the genus Prototheca. The aim of the study was the in vitro comparison of the antimicrobial properties of 10 selected essential oils (EOs) and amphotericin B (AMB) against Prototheca bovis strains (PRO3 and PRO7) from different regions in Poland. The antialgal effect was estimated by using toxicity tests. The chemical composition of the EOs was determined by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The tested EOs had significant cytotoxic effects on algal viability. A statistical analysis of the results revealed that the highest biocidal potential, at a concentration of 2%, was demonstrated by lavender, rosemary, and oregano oils, reducing the survival of the Prototheca bovis strains, on average, by 51.21%, 45.83%, and 45.15%, respectively. In comparison, AMB reduced algal viability by an average of 88% compared with the control groups. Further research into the utilization of the biocidal properties of lavender, rosemary, and oregano oil against Prototheca spp. may help to develop new forms of treatments against mastitis caused by this pathogen in the future. Full article

The Mediterranean diet, rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats, and herbs, has long been associated with a range of health benefits, including cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies suggest that certain components of this diet, particularly spices such as bay laurel, thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary, may play a critical role in protecting the retina from oxidative damage, a key factor in blue-light-induced retinal degeneration. Blue light, emitted by digital screens and artificial lighting, has been implicated in the development of retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This review explores the potential of the herbs and spices commonly present in the Mediterranean diet to mitigate blue-light-induced retinal damage. These herbs are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, essential oils, and terpenes, which offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, contributing to retinal health and reducing oxidative damage. By focusing on bioactive compounds such as eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, eugenol, and thymol, this article investigates how these herbs and spices might act as natural protectants against blue-light-induced stress and retinal degeneration. The findings highlight the promising role of these culinary staples in preventing retinal damage and offer insights into future dietary recommendations for eye health in an increasingly digital world. Full article

Background: Respiratory diseases are among the main causes of morbidity and mortality in captive reptiles. In Romania, pneumonia is a frequently observed illness affecting pet reptiles. Key factors contributing to the high incidence of pneumonia include inadequate animal husbandry, poor nutrition, and insufficient hygiene practices. Bacteria may act as primary pathogens or as facilitators of disease severity. Methods: This study investigates bacterial strains from multiple genera and species (Chryseobacterium (C.) indologenes, Staphylococcus (S.) epidermidis, Escherichia (E.) coli, and Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginoasa) from six ball pythons regarding their antibiotic susceptibility and the effect of essential oils. Bacteria were isolated from the lower respiratory tract, displaying clinical signs of pneumonia. All isolates were tested with essential oils (lemongrass, oregano, rosemary, and sage) and a grapefruit seed extract (GSE) at different dilutions. Results: The incidence of Chryseobacterium indologenes was highest (3 isolates/12 samples, 25%), followed by E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis (2/12 each, 16.6%), and Pseudomonas aeruginoasa (1/12, 8.3%). Resistance profiling to different antibiotic classes revealed that all isolates (eight) were resistant to multiple antibiotics tested by us. All isolates were resistant to β-lactams and fluoroquinolones. One strain of E. coli exhibited intermediate resistance to quinolone and penicillin. All strains were categorized as multidrug-resistant. GSE showed antibacterial activity against all isolates. Conclusions: Wanting to deepen our understanding of the microorganisms that can infect ball pythons and recognizing that all isolated bacteria have zoonotic potential, this paper highlights some common issues faced by exotic animal owners and suggests that treatments should also include the use of essential oils. Full article

In this study, a historically significant journal subject to fungal colonization was used as a case study for experimenting with a fumigation treatment using essential oils. The experiments were carried out both in vitro and in vivo directly on the artifact. Post-treatment monitoring showed that the succession of two fumigation treatments (alternately using rosemary and lavender oil) resulted in the complete disinfection of the first and second populations detected on the substrate. The latter was identified as Trichoderma longibrachiatum, a human pathogenic species, which was found to be sensitive to various concentrations of rosemary essential oil (1.2% v/v) and lavender essential oil (0.4% v/v), while it was not contained by the standard biocide based on benzalkonium chloride. The results obtained allowed the proposal of an application protocol for the fumigation of paper items that need to undergo biocidal treatment, which consists of alternating essential oils to increase the action spectrum of the natural substances and implementing a rotation principle to prevent the development of bio-resistances. Full article

Essential oils are a common alternative to chloroform for dissolving gutta–percha. This study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of chloroform and six essential oil gutta–percha solvents: eucalyptus oil, orange oil, clove oil, rosemary oil, grapefruit oil, and castor oil, against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans by using disk diffusion techniques. The impregnated sterile disk with 10 μL of pure, tested solvents was inoculated on agar plates at three time contacts: 3 min, 10 min, and 24 h. The mean diameter of the zone of inhibition (ZOI) of each solvent was measured after 24 h of incubation. Against Enterococcus faecalis, in both 3 min and 10 min contact, rosemary oil had the largest ZOI (11.40 ± 0.90 and 11.55 ± 0.68 mm), and orange oil showed the smallest ZOI (7.90 ± 0.31 and 9.05 ± 0.68 mm), respectively. Eucalyptus oil exhibited ZOI with persistence, while grapefruit oil and castor oil showed no ZOI. After 24 h of contact, the largest ZOI was recorded for orange oil. Against Candida albicans, at all three time points, clove oil produced the largest ZOI (20.25 ± 0.82, 23.10 ± 0.93, 30.59 ± 0.74 mm) and chloroform the smallest (10.4 ± 0.77, 9.85 ± 0.62, 11.6 ± 0.65 mm), for 3 min, 10 min, and 24 h, respectively. Conclusively, clove oil, orange oil, and rosemary oil exhibit significant antimicrobial activity like chloroform. Full article

The current study researched the biostimulant impacts of a natural-based solution (NBS) that contained eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils on cucumber crops. The effects of NBS (one time-NBS1; two times-NBS2) application on plant development and physiological attributes (chlorophylls, stomatal conductance), total phenolics, non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidant activities, leaf minerals content, cucumber quality attributes at harvest and after one-week storage were assessed through experiments. NBS1 spraying was less effective than NBS2 application because it resulted in a decrease in mineral accumulation (like reduced nitrogen) and other physiological characteristics (like chlorophylls). The plants’ enhanced oxidative stress and activation of several enzymatic antioxidant systems were reflected in the use of a commercial solution (CS) based on amino acids and biostimulants, which also boosted stomatal conductance, reduced nitrogen, calcium, and magnesium accumulation, and antioxidant capacity. No differences were found in plant height, number of leaves, plant biomass, chlorophyll fluorescence, total phenols, and various fruit quality attributes, including firmness, fresh weight, respiration rates, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, decay, and marketability among the treatments. In fact, the effects of both CS and NBS treatment on cucumber plants and fruits were less pronounced, suggesting that more than two applications should be explored in the future. Full article

Background: The gut–brain axis (GBA) is a complex bidirectional communication system that links the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising natural compounds capable of modulating this axis. Methods: A comprehensive analysis of the recent literature was conducted, focusing on studies investigating the effects of EOs on the GBA. Particular attention was given to the endocannabinoid system, the role of cannabis-derived EOs, and other plant-based EOs with potential neuroprotective and gut microbiota-modulating effects. Results: Among the EOs analyzed, cannabis essential oil (CEO) gained attention for its interaction with cannabinoid receptors (CBR1 and CBR2), modulating gut motility, immune responses, and neurotransmission. While acute administration of the CEO reduces inflammation and gut permeability, chronic use has been associated with alterations in gut microbiota composition, potentially impairing cognitive function. Other EOs, such as those from rosemary, lavender, eucalyptus, and oregano, demonstrated effects on neurotransmitter modulation, gut microbiota balance, and neuroinflammation, supporting their potential therapeutic applications in GBA-related disorders. Conclusions: EOs demonstrate promising potential in modulating the GBA through mechanisms including neurotransmitter regulation, gut microbiota modulation, and anti-inflammatory activity. At the same time, phytocannabinoids offer therapeutic value; their long-term use warrants caution due to potential impacts on microbiota. Future research should aim to identify EO-based interventions that can synergistically restore GBA homeostasis and mitigate neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal disorders. Full article