Article
Plant Sciences
Luis Cartuche, James Calva, Eduardo Valarezo, Nayeli Chuchuca, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, enantiomeric distribution, and biological profile of Hedyosmum strigosum essential oil. The EO showed strong antioxidant capacity, specific antimicrobial effect against Campylobacter jejuni, and moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect. This is the first report on the chemical composition and biological profile of H. strigosum EO.
Article
Agronomy
Colin Wong, Kylie Crystal, Joel Coats
Summary: The study compared different natural products as potential repellents and found that many of them can elicit a strong response from ticks. Among them, myristicin and safrole found in nutmeg oil, and terpinolene found in nutmeg oil and as a minor constituent of rosemary oil, performed significantly better than DEET in the assay.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kubra Nalkiran Ergin, Songul Karakaya, Gamze Goeger, Oksana Sytar, Betul Demirci, Hayri Duman
Summary: This study investigated the antimicrobial, total phenolics, and antioxidant activities of various extracts and essential oils from Hypericum scabrum for the first time. The anatomical structures of different parts of the plant were examined, and the major components of the oils were identified. The results showed that the aerial part sub-extracts had higher total phenolics and antioxidant potential, while the n-hexane sub-extracts showed good antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Massimo Zaccardelli, Graziana Roscigno, Catello Pane, Giuseppe Celano, Marisa Di Matteo, Marika Mainente, Alessandra Vuotto, Teresa Mencherini, Tiziana Esposito, Antonella Vitti, Enrica De Falco
Summary: This study aimed to recover residues of aromatic plants by extracting essential oil and aromatic water and reusing oil-free biomasses for composting in a circular economy perspective. The results showed higher yields of essential oils, especially for sage and rosemary, from plant residues. The compost can be applied for soil fertility restoration, and composts derived from the three species were found to be suitable for agricultural use based on phytotoxicity tests.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pooja Agarwal, Zahra Sebghatollahi, Mehnaz Kamal, Archana Dhyani, Alpana Shrivastava, Kiran Kumari Singh, Mukty Sinha, Neelima Mahato, Awdhesh Kumar Mishra, Kwang-Hyun Baek
Summary: Citrus essential oil is a complex mixture of nearly 400 compounds, with a pleasant scent and the ability to uplift mood, relax the body and mind, and increase pleasure. It has a wide range of applications in personal care, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, foods and beverages, and is used in aromatherapy for stress reduction and mood enhancement.
Review
Plant Sciences
Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad, Abd El-Nasser G. El Gendy, Abdulaziz M. Assaeed, Saud L. Al-Rowaily, Abdullah S. Alharthi, Tarik A. Mohamed, Mahmoud I. Nassar, Yaser H. Dewir, Abdelsamed I. Elshamy
Summary: This review discusses the phytotoxic essential oils (EOs) and their chemical compositions reported from 1972 to 2020, highlighting the importance of oxygenated terpenes, mono- and sesquiterpenes in the phytotoxicity of EOs. Monoterpenes such as pinene, 1,8 cineole, linalool, and carvacrol, as well as sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene and its derivatives, are identified as key components in the phytotoxicity of EOs. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the pure form activities, determine field application, assess safety, and understand modes of action for these compounds.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Bhaskar Protim Mahanta, Pranjit Kumar Bora, Phirose Kemprai, Gitasree Borah, Mohan Lal, Saikat Haldar
Summary: This article reviews the role of plant-based aroma chemicals as natural flavors and preservatives in the food industry, with a focus on 42 thermolabile aroma and/or flavor molecules and their degradation pathways. Evidence supports the thermosensitivity of these phytochemicals under various conditions, with post-harvest processes and thermal treatments identified as major factors contributing to degradation. Discussions on the influence of thermolabile aroma chemicals on sensory quality of end-products were provided, covering insights from 1990 to 2020.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ygor Jesse Ramos, Jessica Sales Felisberto, Joao Gabriel Gouvea-Silva, Ulisses Carvalho de Souza, Claudete da Costa-Oliveira, George Azevedo de Queiroz, Elsie Franklin Guimaraes, Nicholas John Sadgrove, Davyson de Lima Moreira
Summary: This study tested the hypothesis that clonal chemical heritability is crucial for the conservation of chemical uniformity in controlled monoclonal cultivation of Piper essential oils. The results showed that while clonal heritability is important for chemical homology, significant chemical plasticity can occur when cultivated from wild specimens.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongwei Shi, Jun Li, Tao Wang, Matthias Rudolph, A. Stephen K. Hashmi
Summary: A catalyst- and additive-free sunlight-induced strategy for the autoxidation of a wide range of aldehydes to carboxylic acids is described. This method utilizes air as the source of oxygen and sunlight as the light source, offering green, highly atom-efficient, and low-cost synthesis. The reaction can be easily scaled up and can proceed smoothly even at lower temperature and in natural light.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Roberta Russo, Franco Palla
Summary: Biodeterioration is a complex process involving the interaction between biological systems, substrates, and metabolic activities. Traditional methods for preventing microbial deterioration of cultural heritage often have limitations due to their toxicity and environmental pollution. However, recent research has focused on the use of natural essential oils, derived from plants, as a sustainable and safe alternative. This review summarizes the latest research on the use of natural essential oils in restoration procedures for cultural heritage, highlighting their potential benefits for the environment and human health.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Celso Afonso Ferraz, Ana Catarina A. Sousa, Debora Caramelo, Fernanda Delgado, Ana Palmeira de Oliveira, M. Ramiro Pastorinho
Summary: This study evaluated the potential (eco)toxic effects of essential oils and hydrolates from four plant species, finding that only the essential oil of T. capitata could be classified as moderately toxic, while the others were classified as practically non-toxic. Chemical analysis and acute toxicity tests using Daphnia magna were conducted to assess the risk associated with introducing these new plant products into the ecosystem.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoqiu Song, Jinyu Wang, Shuaitao Li, Yifei Wang
Summary: Among the four different surfactants tested, Tween 80 was found to solubilize the maximum amount of oil and induce the formation of a U-type microemulsion system. The presence of short-chain alcohols decreased oil solubilization, while straight-chain esters as cosolvent showed a higher expansion effect in the U-type areas compared to systems containing essential oils. Structural transitions from W/O to bicontinuous and then to O/W were observed upon water dilution of the microemulsions.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Alessia Arena, Mariosimone Zoccali, Ivana Bonaccorsi, Monica Mondello, Peter Q. Tranchida, Luigi Mondello
Summary: This study analyzed and discussed the contamination of mineral oil hydrocarbons in Citrus essential oils using an online liquid-gas chromatography system. Various degrees of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon (MOSH) contamination were found in the cold-pressed (CP) essential oils, ranging from 10.7 to 338.4 mg kg(-1). However, no MOSH contamination was detected in the distilled essential oils. The level of mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons in all samples was below the limit of quantification.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Muhannad Hasan, Imad Hwija, Yaser Mossa
Summary: Plumbago europaea L., a plant with medicinal value, has been widely used in folk medicine in Syria for treating skin diseases. This study determined the chemical composition of essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of P. europaea L. and identified several bioactive compounds.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Boualem Chennit, Maria del Carmen Perez-Camino, Raquel B. Gomez-Coca, Wenceslao Moreda, Lilya Boudriche, Khodir Madani
Summary: This study characterized the fatty minor compounds of Kabylian virgin olive oils, including the content of sterols, triterpenic dialcohols, diterpenic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols, triterpenic alcohols, FAAEs, and waxes, in oils from different olive cultivars. The analysis showed distinct differences in the composition of these compounds among the oils, with Azeradj-VOO standing out for its high phytosterol content.
JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Juan I. Burneo, Angel Benitez, James Calva, Pablo Velastegui, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: The study analyzed the effects of soil and leaf nutrients on the chemical composition of Siparuna muricata essential oils in four different localities in Ecuador. Significant correlations were found between soil-leaf chemical elements and the essential oil composition, with high dissimilarity values of secondary metabolites between locations. The investigation revealed the influences of altitude and soil-leaf chemical elements on the essential oil composition of S. muricata for the first time.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vladimir Morocho, Leslye Paola Valarezo, David Andres Tapia, Luis Cartuche, Nixon Cumbicus, Gianluca Gilardoni
Summary: The phytochemistry of Cynophalla mollis and Colicodendron scabridum, both belonging to the family Capparaceae, was investigated for the first time in this study. A variety of compounds were isolated and identified, with three showing good antioxidant capacity.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
James Calva, Luis Cartuche, Salome Gonzalez, Jose Vinicio Montesinos, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: This study analyzed the chemical composition and anticholinesterase effect of the essential oil of Lepechinia betonicifolia, a native shrub from Ecuador. The essential oil showed a strong inhibitory effect on the AChE enzyme, indicating its potential for use in functional foods or as an adjuvant therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Eduardo Valarezo, Jeannette Ludena, Estefania Echeverria-Coronel, Luis Cartuche, Miguel Angel Meneses, James Calva, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: This study isolated the essential oil from Annona cherimola leaves and conducted analyses on its chemical composition, antibacterial potency, radical scavenging properties, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. The results showed that the essential oil exhibited strong antioxidant activity, potent anticholinesterase potential, and moderate antibacterial activity against certain bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David E. Mery, Amanda J. Compadre, Paola E. Ordonez, Edward J. Selvik, Vladimir Morocho, Jorge Contreras, Omar Malagon, Darin E. Jones, Philip J. Breen, Michael J. Balick, Flavio G. Gaudio, Monica L. Guzman, Cesar M. Compadre
Summary: A method was proposed to identify anticancer compounds in plants by screening and analyzing plant species known to possess cytotoxic compounds. The active compounds were extracted, purified, and their structures were determined. The growth inhibitory activity of the purified compounds showed a significant correlation with their antileukemic activity. This approach is rapid, inexpensive, and suitable for areas with high biodiversity but limited access to advanced facilities and biological assays.
Article
Plant Sciences
Luis Cartuche, James Calva, Eduardo Valarezo, Nayeli Chuchuca, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, enantiomeric distribution, and biological profile of Hedyosmum strigosum essential oil. The EO showed strong antioxidant capacity, specific antimicrobial effect against Campylobacter jejuni, and moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect. This is the first report on the chemical composition and biological profile of H. strigosum EO.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vladimir Morocho, Mariangel Hidalgo-Tapia, Israel Delgado-Loyola, Luis Cartuche, Nixon Cumbicus, Eduardo Valarezo
Summary: This study determined the chemical composition and biological activity of essential oil from the leaves and fruits of Siparuna muricata, a native shrub or tree from Ecuador. The essential oil was extracted through hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography techniques. It exhibited antimicrobial, antioxidant, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. The essential oil showed strong antifungal and antibacterial effects, as well as moderate antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. Rating: 8/10
Article
Plant Sciences
Alisson Guerrero, Emilye Guerrero, Luis Cartuche, Nixon Cumbicus, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: In this study, essential oils were obtained from fresh and dried leaves of Hedyosmum cumbalense and Hedyosmum spectabile. The chemical composition of the oils was analyzed, and their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase properties were assessed. The oils showed weak antimicrobial and antifungal activities, but displayed strong antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eduardo Valarezo, Carlos Correa-Jaramillo, Paola Astudillo-Davila, Julio Garzon-Yaguache, Luis Cartuche, Miguel Angel Meneses, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: This study determined the chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant activity of the essential oil isolated from the leaves of Morella pubescens. The main components of the essential oil were (E)-caryophyllene (27.5%), limonene (11.8%), and beta-selinene (8.0%). The essential oil showed strong antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecium (ATCC 27270), as well as strong antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
James Calva, Luis Cartuche, Leydy Nathaly Castillo, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: In this study, the essential oil of H. purpurascens was obtained using the hydro-distillation method and its chemical composition was identified using GC-MS and GC-FID. A total of 90 compounds were identified, with the major compounds being germacrene-D, gamma-terpinene, alpha-phellandrene, sabinene, O-cymene, 1,8-cineole, and alpha-pinene. The essential oil showed moderate anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities, but poor antimicrobial activity.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Diana Romero, Luis Cartuche, Eduardo Valarezo, Nixon Cumbicus, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: The chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil (EO) of Myrcianthes discolor from southern Ecuador were investigated. The EO was mainly composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and exhibited strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eduardo Valarezo, Silvia Torres-Torres, Nohely Pineda-Guarnizo, Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro, Luis Cartuche, Vladimir Morocho, Miguel Angel Meneses
Summary: This study determined the chemical composition, insecticidal activity and antioxidant activity of the essential oil extracted from Bixa orellana leaves. The results showed that the essential oil exhibited antibacterial, antioxidant and anticholinesterase activities. This study suggests that the essential oil of Bixa orellana has potential medicinal value.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eduardo Valarezo, Mercedes Herrera-Garcia, Paola Astudillo-Davila, Isabel Rosales-Demera, Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro, Luis Cartuche, Miguel Angel Meneses, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: This study determined the chemical composition, insecticidal activity, and antioxidant activity of essential oil extracted from the leaves of Peperomia inaequalifolia. The yield of leaves in essential oil was 0.16%, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons were the most representative group. The essential oil showed inhibitory and scavenging activities against various bacteria and free radicals, and exhibited moderate anticholinesterase activity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eduardo Valarezo, Emmily Jaramillo-Jaramillo, Ana Carrion-Campoverde, Vladimir Morocho, Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro, Luis Cartuche, Miguel Angel Meneses
Summary: This study determined the chemical composition, enantiomeric distribution, and various activities of the essential oil extracted from Ageratina dendroides. The essential oil showed moderate anticholinesterase activity and strong antioxidant activity. However, it did not display significant antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms.
Article
Plant Sciences
Eduardo Valarezo, Richard Aguilera-Sarmiento, Miguel Angel Meneses, Vladimir Morocho
Summary: The present study investigated the chemical composition of essential oils from Ageratina dendroides and Gynoxys verrucosa collected in Ecuador. A total of sixty-two volatile compounds were identified in the essential oils, with germacrene D and alpha-zingiberene being the main components in Ageratina dendroides and Gynoxys verrucosa, respectively. This is the first report on the volatile compounds of these species.
JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL BEARING PLANTS
(2021)