Search Results (29)

Botanical insecticides containing a mixture of plant essential oils (EOs) are considered suitable for the management of houseflies (M. domestica). The adulticidal efficacies of single EOs and mixtures of EOs, including lemongrass (C. citratus), star anise (I. verum), nutmeg (M. fragrans), and their components (geranial, trans-anethole, and α-pinene), against houseflies were determined in comparison to 2% (w/v) α-cypermethrin as the positive control and distilled water as the negative control. The mixture of star anise EO (1%) + geranial (1%) was the most effective adulticide, superseding single EOs, other combinations of EOs, and its active component, α-cypermethrin, and distilled water. This mixture was highly synergistic and was found to be over 74% more toxic than all single EOs and almost 2.6 times more toxic than α-cypermethrin. Furthermore, the tested EOs did not cause mortality in guppies (P. reticulata) or earthworms (E. fetida), and caused a maximum of 48% mortality in honeybees (A. mellifera) at 24 h; by contrast, α-cypermethrin led to 100% mortality in honeybees within 0.5 h and in guppies and earthworms within 24 h, although it had low toxicity toward houseflies. Thus, a mixture of star anise EO + geranial is a promising source of EO-derived insecticides for housefly control that is also safe for important non-target species. Full article

Termites are destructive structural pests causing significant economic losses worldwide. Although synthetic termiticides are effective, their extensive use raises environmental and health concerns, highlighting the need for safer, sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the contact toxicity and repellency in a closed system of essential oils (EOs) from clove (Syzygium aromaticum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and star anise (Illicium verum) against Microcerotermes crassus workers. Chemical constituents (eugenol and anethole) were characterized by GC–MS/MS, and their activities were compared with those commercial termiticides (fipronil and cypermethrin). Clove and cinnamon oils exhibited strong toxicity, with LC₅₀ values decreasing from 208.6 to 70.6 µL/L and from 362.6 to 130.5 µL/L, respectively, over 24 h. Both achieved LT₅₀ values below 10 h at 250 µL/L and over 80% repellency at 100–500 µL/L within 3–12 h. Eugenol, the major constituent, showed comparable activity. In contrast, star anise oil, dominated by anethole, displayed weaker repellency but measurable termiticidal effects with a slower onset. These findings indicate that eugenol-rich oils may provide rapid-contact activity. In contrast, anethole-rich oils may offer slower but measurable termiticidal effects, suggesting distinct potential roles in future formulation development. The findings provide a foundation for developing nanoemulsion-based botanical termiticides with improved stability and field performance. Full article

This study developed a novel 3D-printed bilayer film (BF) embedded with star anise essential oil nanoemulsion (AEO-NE) and tamarind shell-derived carbon quantum dots (CQDs) for preserving sugar tangerines (Citrus reticulata Blanco). The BF comprised an outer chitosan-alginate-CQD barrier layer and an inner AEO-NE active layer, fabricated using dual-extrusion 3D printing. Results showed that BF-treated fruits had significantly lower weight loss (23.6% reduction) and decay rates (0% spoilage until day 10) compared to controls (p < 0.05). The film’s controlled release (31% AEO release over 15 days) and UV-blocking properties (CQDs) maintained fruit firmness, color stability (ΔE < 2.0), and sugar content (TSS increase of only 3.7%). Sensory evaluation confirmed BF’s superiority, with treated fruits retaining freshness for 15 days, while controls deteriorated rapidly. The study demonstrates that 3D-printed active films synergizing AEO and CQDs offer a sustainable, high-performance solution for citrus preservation, extending shelf life by 10–15 days. Full article

The greater wax moth (GWM, Galleria mellonella) is a prevalent pest of the honeybee and a significant risk to both honeybee populations and honeycomb storage. Research on the toxicity of essential oils (EOs) to GWM larvae has provided promising results, although their ovicidal effects and active ingredients require further study. Identifying effective plant compounds is essential for developing insecticides for GWM control. This study assessed the fumigation efficacy of 16 EOs on GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae and determined the effectiveness of these EOs and their primary components for fumigating fifth larvae. Wintergreen, star anise, and clove oils demonstrated significant insecticidal effects on GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae, resulting in a mortality rate exceeding 80% within 48 h. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified methyl salicylate (93.26%), trans-anethole (87.75%), and eugenol (77.75%) as the primary compounds in wintergreen, star anise, and clove oils, respectively. Further toxicity testing confirmed that these compounds were responsible for the observed insecticidal properties of the EOs. Notably, trans-anethole exhibited the lowest LC₅₀ value (25.22 μL/L) against the fifth instar larvae of GWM and significant toxicity against GWM eggs and fifth instar larvae, suggesting its potential as a viable option for the future control of GWM populations. Full article

Essential oils from star anise, nutmeg, clove buds, oregano, bay leaves, and lemon peel were extracted via hydrodistillation. GC-MS, UV–Vis, FTIR, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy were used to identify the major compounds (trans-anethole, sabinene, eugenol, carvacrol, eucalyptol and limonene, for star anise, nutmeg, clove buds, oregano, bay leaves, and lemon peel essential oil, respectively), revealing that the spectra were dominated by the oils’ primary constituents. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, demonstrating high radical scavenging ability, especially for bay leaf and oregano oils. Despite phenolic content being correlated with antioxidant activity, discrepancies were found, suggesting that non-phenolic compounds and synergism also play a role. Antibacterial evaluation showed significant activity for bay leaf and oregano oils, particularly against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, due to phenolic and terpene compounds. The presence of trace metals in the oils, including those with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties such as Cu, and Zn, was also analyzed. The risk assessment showed that toxic metals were below harmful thresholds. Full article

This study attempted to evaluate the ovicidal activity of single-component formulations and combination formulations of lemongrass and star anise essential oils (EOs) and their main constituents against housefly eggs. The efficacies of the combinations were compared with those of single-component formulations and α-cypermethrin. Safety bioassays of all treatments and α-cypermethrin on non-target predators—guppy and molly—were conducted. Two combinations: 1% lemongrass EO + 1% trans-anethole and 1% star anise EO + 1% geranial, exhibited a strong ovicidal activity with an inhibition rate of 94.4 to 96.2%. They were 1.1 times as effective as α-cypermethrin. The two combinations also showed high synergistic activity compared to single-component formulations, with a high synergistic index and a high increased inhibition value of 37.4 to 57.7%. All EO treatments were benign for all non-target aquatic species with a high 50% lethal time (LT₅₀) and safety index. In contrast, α-cypermethrin was highly toxic to them with a low LT₅₀. The morphological abnormalities observed in housefly eggs at death were those such as the shrivelling of the eggs, aberrations and damage to the eggshells, hatching lines, aeropyles, plastron, and micropyle. The potential of these two combinations as a cypermethrin replacement is compelling. Full article

In recent years, a significant number of infections have been attributed to non-albicidal Candida species (NAC), mainly due to the increasing resistance of NAC to antifungal agents. As only a few antifungal agents are available (azoles, echinocandins, polyenes, allylamines and nucleoside analogues), it is very important to look for possible alternatives to inhibit resistant fungi. One possibility could be essential oils (EOs), which have been shown to have significant antifungal and antibacterial activity. Therefore, in this study, the efficacy of 12 EOs and their combinations was evaluated against four yeasts of the genus Candida (C. albicas, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis). GC-MS and GC-MS FID techniques were used for the chemical analysis of all EOs. VITEK-2XL was used to determine the antifungal susceptibility of the tested Candida spp. strains. The agar disc diffusion method was used for primary screening of the efficacy of the tested EOs. The broth dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the most potent EOs. After MIC cultivation, the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined on Petri dishes (60 mm). The synergistic effect of combined EOs was evaluated using the checkerboard method and expressed as a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). The results showed that ginger > ho-sho > absinth > dill > fennel > star anise > and cardamom were the most effective EOs. For all Candida species tested, the synergy was mainly observed in these combinations: ginger/fennel for C. albicans FICI 0.25 and C. glabrata, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis FICI 0.5 and absinth/fennel for C. albicans FICI 0.3125, C. tropicalis FICI 0.3125 and C. parapsilosis FICI 0.375. Our results suggest that the resistance of fungal pathogens to available antifungals could be reduced by combining appropriate EOs. Full article

Illicium verum, commonly known as star anise, represents one of the notable botanical species and is recognized for its rich reservoir of diverse bioactive compounds. Beyond its culinary application as a spice, this plant has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. Given the contemporary emphasis on incorporating natural resources into food production, particularly essential oils, to enhance sensory attributes and extend shelf life, our study seeks to elucidate the chemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial (in vitro, in situ) and insecticidal properties of Illicium verum essential oil (IVEO). Also, microbiological analyses of pumpkin sous vide treated with IVEO after inoculation of Salmonella enterica were evaluated after 1 and 7 days of study. GC/MS analysis revealed a significantly high amount of (E)-anethole (88.4%) in the investigated EO. The disc diffusion method shows that the antibacterial activity of the IVEO ranged from 5.33 (Streptococcus constellatus) to 10.33 mm (Citrobacter freundii). The lowest minimal inhibition concentration was found against E. coli and the minimum biofilm inhibition concertation was found against S. enterica. In the vapor phase, the best antimicrobial activity was found against E. coli in the pears model and against S. sonei in the beetroot model. The application of the sous vide method in combination with IVEO application decreased the number of microbial counts and eliminated the growth of S. enterica. The most isolated microbiota identified from the sous vide pumpkin were Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. cereus, B. licheniformis, and Ralstonia picketii. Modifications to the protein composition of biofilm-forming bacteria S. enterica were suggested by the MALDI TOF MS instigations. The IVEO showed insecticidal potential against Harmonia axyridis. Thanks to the properties of IVEO, our results suggest it can be used in the food industry as a natural supplement to extend the shelf life of foods and as a natural insecticide. Full article

The present study evaluated the housefly repellency of single-component formulations and combinations of lemongrass and star anise essential oils (EOs) and their main constituents. The efficacies of the combinations were compared against those of single-component formulations and DEET. Safety bioassays of all formulations and DEET on non-target species—guppy, molly, dwarf honeybee, and stingless bee—were conducted. GC–MS analysis showed that the main constituent of lemongrass EO was geranial (46.83%) and that of star anise EO was trans-anethole (92.88%). All combinations were highly synergistic compared to single-component formulations, with an increased repellent value (IR) of 34.6 to 51.2%. The greatest synergistic effect was achieved by 1.0% lemongrass EO + 1.0% trans-anethole combination, with an IR of 51.2%. The strongest, 100% repellent rate at 6 h was achieved by 1.0% geranial + 1.0% trans-anethole. They were twice as effective as DEET and caused obvious damage to housefly antennae under microscopic observation. All single-component formulations and combinations were benign to the four tested non-target species. In contrast, DEET was highly toxic to them. The synergistic repellency and biosafety of these two combinations are compellingly strong support for developing them into an effective green repellent. Full article

The aromatic compound (E)-anethol is widely used in the flavor, fragrance, and medicinal industries. This compound is commonly produced through steam distillation of fennel, star anise, and anise seed. Given the cost of production, these natural and authentic essential oils are commonly adulterated with lower-cost natural materials or synthetic alternatives. The current study investigates essential oil profiles (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and stable isotope ratios (gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry) of the abundant compound (E)-anethol in both authentic reference standards (n = 15) and commercially available samples (n = 30). This multifaceted analytical approach establishes techniques for ensuring the authenticity of essential oil sources of (E)-anethol and was then used to evaluate the current essential oil market sources of (E)-anethol. These findings report that adulteration of (E)-anethol-containing natural products takes various forms, and a multifaceted analytical approach is recommended for authentication. Of the commercial samples analyzed for this report, 27% were adulterated. Full article

Illicium verum, or star anise, has many uses ranging from culinary to religious. It has been used in the food industry since ancient times. The main purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities of the essential oil (EO) obtained via hydro-distillation of the aerial parts of Illicium verum. Twenty-four components were identified representing 92.55% of the analyzed essential oil. (E)-anethole (83.68%), limonene (3.19%), and α-pinene (0.71%) were the main constituents of I. verum EO. The results show that the obtained EO was effective against eight bacterial strains to different degrees. Concerning the antibiofilm activity, trans-anethole was more effective against biofilm formation than the essential oil when tested using sub-inhibitory concentrations. The results of anti-swarming activity tested against P. aeruginosa PAO1 revealed that I. verum EO possesses more potent inhibitory effects on the swarming behavior of PAO1 when compared to trans-anethole, with the percentage reaching 38% at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The ADME profiling of the identified phytocompounds confirmed their important pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties. The in silico study using a molecular docking approach revealed a high binding score between the identified compounds with known target enzymes involved in antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing (QS) activities. Overall, the obtained results suggest I. verum EO to be a potentially good antimicrobial agent to prevent food contamination with foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Full article

Illicium verum Hook. F., also known as star anise, is one of the most important plants of the genus Anise in the family Magnoliaceae. I. verum not only has the functions of warming Yang, dispersing cold, regulating Qi and relieving pain but can also be used as a condiment to increase flavor as well as reconcile and remove fish smells. Currently, 201 chemical constituents have been identified from star anise; among these, star anise oil and shikimic acid are the two most widely used and studied chemical components in star anise, with the oil accounting for a large proportion of the total. This review integrates, classifies and updates studies related to the botany, pharmacology, phytochemistry, traditional and modern uses and quality control of star anise, with a special reference to its phytochemical composition and pharmacological activity. It will provide a reference for further research on this important medicinal plant. In addition, the broad applications and research profiles of star anise essential oil and shikimic acid are highlighted. Our review indicates that the research prospects regarding star anise are very broad and worthy of further investigation. Full article

Oral malodor, often known as halitosis, is an irritating breath odor that originates in the mouth and can cause significant psychological and social distress. Chlorhexidine, a powerful antimicrobial agent effective against bacteria and fungi, has become the standard treatment for halitosis. However, it has drawbacks including altered taste perception, dry mouth, and more noticeable dental staining. The use of natural essential oils to avoid these unwanted effects has proven to be an attractive strategy. This study aims to evaluate the potential of four essential oils consisting of Ma-kwean fruit (Zanthoxylum limonella, MK), clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum, CV), star anise fruit (Illicium verum, SA) and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum aromaticum, CM) for the purpose of combating bad breath by assessing their antibacterial efficacy against halitosis-associated bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Solobacterium moorei). The hydro-distillation process was used to prepare the essential oils, which were obtained as yellowish to colorless liquids with yields of 6.58 ± 0.81, 12.21 ± 2.98, 4.29 ± 0.15 and 1.26 ± 0.09% for MK, CV, SA and CM, respectively. The terpenoid compounds terpinene-4-ol (47.04%), limonene (17.19%), sabinene (13.27%) and alpha-terpineol (6.05%) were found as the main components in MK essential oil, while phenylpropanoids were identified as the primary components of other essential oils, namely trans-cinnamaldehyde (83.60%), eugenol (83.59%) and anethol (90.58%) were identified as the primary components of CM, CV and SA essential oils, respectively. For the antibacterial properties, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were investigated. CM essential oil exhibited the greatest capacity to inhibit growth and eradicate S. mutans, with MIC and MBC values of 0.039%, followed by CV (MIC of 0.078% and MBC of 0.156%) and MK (MIC and MBC of 0.156%), whereas the MIC of SA was 1.250% without eradication. Both CM and CV essential oils demonstrated exceptional efficacy against S. moorei, with MIC and MBC values of 0.019% and 0.033%, respectively. Furthermore, the inhibition of S. moorei biofilm formation was investigated and we discovered that the lowest effective concentration necessary to eliminate the S. moorei biofilm was one quarter of the MIC for MK, CM and CV, while that for SA essential oil was half of the MIC. These encouraging results suggest that the incorporation of MK, CM and CV essential oils into oral care products could potentially enhance their efficacy in halitosis treatment. Full article

In this study, star anise (Illicium verum) essential oils (SAEOs) were extracted by hydrodistillation (HD), ethanol solvent extraction (ESE), supercritical CO₂ (SCD) and subcritical extraction (SE) via electronic nose (E-nose), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and GC-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). GC-MS and GC-IMS were used to identify the volatile compounds, and GC-MS was also used to determine their concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to visualise volatile compounds and differentiate samples. The results showed that anethole and limonene were the main volatile compounds in SAEOs extracted using the four methods and their components were similar, albeit in different proportions. In addition, the fingerprints of their volatile components were established via E-nose and GC-IMS analyses. In general, GC-MS, GC-IMS, and E-nose combined with PCA and LDA analysis could accurately distinguish SAEOs extracted using different extraction methods, and GC-IMS was identified as the most suitable method because of its accuracy and rapidity. Full article

Salmonella is capable of harming human and animal health, and its multidrug resistance (MDR) has always been a public health problem. In addition, antibiotic-free or antibiotic-reduced policies have been implemented in poultry production. Therefore, the search for antibiotic alternatives is more urgent than ever before. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of star anise-cinnamon essential oil (SCEO) in vitro and its prophylactic effect against the infections of Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella give, and Salmonella kentucky in vivo. The results demonstrated that SCEO is effective against Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella give, and Salmonella kentucky in vitro. Supplementation with SCEO could significantly decrease the infections of Salmonella pullorum and Salmonella give, whereas it could slightly but not significantly decrease the infection of Salmonella kentucky, while also significantly alleviating the body weight (BW) loss caused by the infections of Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella give, and Salmonella kentucky in Yellow chickens. The SCEO had the best prophylactic effect against the infection of Salmonella give in Yellow chickens, followed by the infection of Salmonella pullorum and the infection of Salmonella kentucky. The SCEO, used as an antibiotic alternative, could be an effective prevention strategy against the infections of Salmonella pullorum, Salmonella give, and Salmonella kentucky in Yellow chickens. Full article