Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naga Parameswari Mangalagiri, Shravan Kumar Panditi, Naveena Lavanya Latha Jeevigunta
Summary: Development of bactericides and fungicides through isolation and identification of substances is an important research area. Essential oils are actively being investigated for their potential against bacteria and fungi. Among the seven essential oils studied, lemongrass, palm rosa, and eucalyptus were found to be effective antimicrobial agents.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Muhammed Ashiq Thalappil, Priya Singh, Alessandra Carcereri Prati, Sanjeeb Kumar Sahoo, Sofia Mariotto, Elena Butturini
Summary: This review summarizes the anticancer effect of essential oils (EOs) and their constituents in breast cancer models and discusses the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing their anti-breast cancer activity.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Nur Aisyah Mohd Israfi, Muhamad Israq Amir Mohd Ali, Sivakumar Manickam, Xun Sun, Bey Hing Goh, Siah Ying Tang, Norsharina Ismail, Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis, Soo Ee Ch'ng, Kim Wei Chan
Summary: The tropical fruit industry in Malaysia plays an important role in the local economy, but the high sugar and water content of these fruits make them susceptible to diseases. The use of chemical pesticides for disease management is controversial, leading to a growing interest in natural alternatives such as essential oils and plant extracts. Studies suggest that these natural products have the potential to effectively prevent and control fungal and bacterial infections in tropical fruits, and can be used as safe and environmentally friendly biopesticides.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kristina Loziene, Viktorija Maskolaityte, Juozas Labokas, Jurga Budiene, Vaida Vaiciulyte
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the composition of essential oils of Myrica gale in different habitats in Lithuania and in different parts of the plant, as well as evaluate the local knowledge about M. gale as a medicinal and aromatic plant. Results showed that the fruits of M. gale accumulated 4.03 +/- 2.13% essential oils, meanwhile the leaves had up to 19 times less. The main compounds in the essential oils of fruits and leaves were alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineole, limonene, delta-cadinene, and (E)-nerolidol.
Article
Plant Sciences
Lipi Parikh, Bright O. Agindotan, Mary E. Burrows
Summary: Plant-derived essential oils have shown effective inhibitory effects on important pathogenic fungi, suggesting their potential for disease management in both organic and conventional production systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Beatriz Diaz-Reinoso, Sandra Rivas, Jorge Rivas, Herminia Dominguez
Summary: Subcritical water extraction is a green technology that can sustainably obtain natural valuable products from fresh raw materials. It has great potential for the aqueous extraction of lipophilic fractions from plant biomass and is widely applicable in various industries.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Nancy N. de Lima, Jamile Silva da Costa, Bruna A. Guimaraes, Jofre Jacob S. Freitas, William N. Setzer, Joyce Kelly R. da Silva, Jose Guilherme S. Maia, Pablo Luis B. Figueiredo
Summary: Six samples of Hyptis crenata were collected in Para state, Brazil, and their leaf essential oils were analyzed. Chemometrics analysis revealed the classification of the samples into two new chemical composition groups. Hc-5 and Hc-6 showed the highest antioxidant capacity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thais A. S. Oliveira, Mariana B. Santiago, Valmore H. P. Santos, Eliane O. Silva, Carlos H. G. Martins, Antonio E. M. Crotti
Summary: This review article provides an updated overview of the literature from 2011 to 2021 regarding the antibacterial activity of EOs against the main bacteria responsible for caries and periodontal diseases. The criteria for classifying the in vitro antibacterial activity of EOs has been updated, and the most promising results are highlighted.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karolina A. Wojtunik-Kulesza
Summary: Monoterpenes, the largest group of plant secondary metabolites, have antioxidative, antibacterial, sedative and anti-inflammatory activity, making them widely used in medicine, food and cosmetic industries. However, long-term studies have revealed their toxic properties and potential side effects on human health.
Article
Biology
Rahma Abd-Elrahim, Mohamed R. A. Tohamy, Mahmoud M. Atia, Mohamed M. A. Elashtokhy, Mohamed A. S. Ali
Summary: This study investigated the effects of seven essential plant oils on the growth of Ralstonia solanacearum both in vitro and in vivo, and explored their potential use as potato seed pieces dressing for controlling bacterial wilt disease. The results showed that anise oil exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on the growth of Ralstonia solanacearum, followed by thyme, lemongrass, and clove oils. In vivo experiments demonstrated that anise oil significantly reduced disease incidence and severity in potato cultivars and was associated with increased enzyme activity and fresh weight of treated plants.
SAUDI JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Abdullah Haris, Muhammad Azeem, Muhammad Ghazanfar Abbas, Muhammad Mumtaz, Raimondas Mozuraitis, Muhammad Binyameen
Summary: Repellents made with essential oils are effective in protecting people from outdoor mosquitoes. The study found that Perovskia atriplicifolia, Citrus reticulata (fruit peels), C. reticulata (leaves), Mentha longifolia, and Dysphania ambrosioides were the most effective essential oils in repelling Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. P. atriplicifolia showed the longest repellent effect, followed by C. reticulata (peels), M. longifolia, and C. reticulata (leaves). The study also identified the major constituents of these essential oils. The results could contribute to the development of plant-based commercial repellents for dengue mosquitoes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Robin Raveau, Joel Fontaine, Abir Soltani, Jouda Mediouni Ben Jemaa, Frederic Laruelle, Anissa Lounes-Hadj Sahraoui
Summary: Natural products and essential oils have gained attention as alternative methods for controlling plant pathogens and pests. The study found that essential oils produced in polluted areas have faithful chemical compositions and valuable biological effects.
Article
Plant Sciences
Karolina Wawrzynczak, Beata Sadowska, Marzena Wieckowska-Szakiel, Danuta Kalemba
Summary: The essential oil and hydrolate from sweet gale leaves and flowers showed antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacterial and fungal pathogens, indicating their potential as natural antimicrobial agents.
RECORDS OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Balwinder Singh, Jatinder Pal Singh, Amritpal Kaur, Madhav P. Yadav
Summary: Citrus peel, a by-product of citrus fruit processing, contains a significant amount of essential oil, which can be effectively extracted and utilized as a source of functional components for the development of health-promoting food products. The extracted citrus peel essential oil exhibits biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects, making it a valuable resource for the food industry.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Le Thi Huong, Le Duy Linh, Isiaka Ajani Ogunwande
Summary: The chemical constituents and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil from the rhizome of Elettariopsis triloba in north-central Vietnam are reported for the first time in this study. The oil mainly consists of monoterpene compounds such as camphene, fenchyl acetate, bornyl acetate, and shows antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria and yeast, validating its traditional medicinal use.
JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL BEARING PLANTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Grul'ova, Beata Baranova, Vincent Sedlak, Laura De Martino, Valtcho D. Zheljazkov, Maria Konecna, Janka Poracova, Lucia Caputo, Vincenzo De Feo
Summary: The composition, herbicidal, larvicidal, and toxic activities of Juniperus horizontalis Moench essential oil and its main component sabinene were evaluated. The results showed that the oil had significant inhibitory effects on root length in various crop species, but was not toxic to some aquatic organisms. The essential oil of Juniperus horizontalis has potential for limiting the survivorship of yellow mealworms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Cardellicchio, Sabino Aurelio Bufo, Stefania Mirela Mang, Ippolito Camele, Anna Maria Salvi, Laura Scrano
Summary: The investigation focused on the deterioration of walls in the hypogeum of San Pietro Barisano rupestrian church in the Matera-Sassi region of Southern Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The study evaluated the biocide activity of a mixture of natural glycoalkaloids (GAs) derived from unripe Solanum nigrum fruit for cleaning bio-patinas on the church walls. The treatment showed changes in the chemical composition of the bio-patina, accompanied by discoloration and varying biological activity. The cleaning procedure needs to integrate fungicidal actions and surface consolidation for complete bioremediation and prevention of further colonization.
Article
Agronomy
Aurel Maxim, Vasile Cristian Albu, Dan Cristian Vodnar, Tania Mihaiescu, Stefania Mirela Mang, Ippolito Camele, Vincenzo Trotta, Maria Grazia Bonomo, Lucia Mihalescu, Mignon Sandor, Floricuta Ranga, Orsolya Borsai
Summary: This study conducted research on the morphological, agronomic, and physico-chemical characteristics of 35 tomato landraces from seven countries. The results showed high morphological diversity among these landraces, with three landraces exhibiting increased resistance to late blight. Furthermore, six landraces were found to have a lycopene content exceeding 100 μg/g sample. This study provides essential information on the characteristics and carotenoid content of these tomato landraces.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hazem S. S. Elshafie, Ippolito Camele, Amira A. A. Mohamed
Summary: Natural products, including primary metabolites (PMs) and secondary metabolites (SMs), play crucial roles in plant growth, reproduction, defense, and adaptation. SMs, including terpenoids, phenolics, and nitrogen-containing compounds, possess various biological activities and can be used as flavoring agents, food additives, and plant-disease control. This review focuses on the significance, biosynthesis, classification, biochemical characterization, and medical/pharmaceutical uses of plant SMs. Additionally, the potential of SMs as eco-friendly substitutes for synthetic pesticides and their role in enhancing plant resistance are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucia Caputo, Giuseppe Amato, Laura De Martino, Vincenzo De Feo, Filomena Nazzaro
Summary: Several researchers have studied the health properties of carvacrol and p-cymene, substances found in aromatic plants. In this study, the researchers investigated the potential anti-cholinesterase, anti-alpha-amylase, and neuroprotective effects of these compounds. They found that carvacrol showed inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, while also exhibiting anti-alpha-amylase activity. Furthermore, pre-treatment with carvacrol and p-cymene reduced caspase-3 expression in cells under oxidative stress, indicating their potential as neuroprotective agents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hazem S. Elshafie, Ali Osman, Mahmoud M. El-Saber, Ippolito Camele, Entsar Abbas
Summary: This study synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using chemical or green methods and investigated their anti-fungal activity against citrus black rot caused by Alternaria citri. The results showed that green ZnO-NPs inhibited 61% of fungal growth at a concentration of 2,000 μg/ml, while chemical ZnO-NPs inhibited only 52%. Furthermore, post-harvest treatment of orange fruits infected with A. citri using green and chemical ZnO-NPs at a concentration of 2,000 μg/ml reduced the disease severity to 6.92% and 9.23%, respectively, compared to 23.84% in the untreated fruits.
PLANT PATHOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Giuseppe Amato, Lucia Caputo, Rosaria Francolino, Mara Martino, Vincenzo De Feo, Laura De Martino
Summary: Many studies have shown that certain essential oils have herbicidal effects and can be used as alternatives to chemical herbicides. In this study, the chemical composition of essential oils from two ecotypes of O. heracleoticum in Southern Italy was compared and their potential as natural herbicides was investigated using seeds of Raphanus sativus, Sinapis arvensis, and Lolium multiflorum. The study also evaluated the inhibitory activity of the essential oils on the alpha-amylase enzyme, which is involved in seed germination. The results showed that the essential oils exhibited herbicidal and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities, suggesting their potential for further exploration.
Article
Plant Sciences
Hazem S. Elshafie, Laura De Martino, Carmen Formisano, Lucia Caputo, Vincenzo De Feo, Ippolito Camele
Summary: The rhizosphere is a rich source of actinomycetes which can produce potential biologically active secondary metabolites. The aim of this research is to extract, purify, and characterize these bioactive metabolites from three different strains of actinomycetes isolated from the rhizosphere of rosemary, black locust, and olive. The extracted metabolites demonstrated antimicrobial activity and the potential for use as fungal biocontrol agents.
Article
Horticulture
Donato Castronuovo, Vincenzo De Feo, Laura De Martino, Loriana Cardone, Rita Sica, Lucia Caputo, Giuseppe Amato, Vincenzo Candido
Summary: Soil fumigation is an effective method for controlling soilborne pests, but it has limited use due to its non-selectivity and environmental problems. This study evaluates the effects of soil solarization on organic pumpkin yield and antioxidant levels. The results show that solarization increases antioxidant activity and improves yield.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mousa Alreshidi, Mohammad A. Abdulhakeem, Riadh Badraoui, Giuseppe Amato, Lucia Caputo, Laura De Martino, Filomena Nazzaro, Florinda Fratianni, Carmen Formisano, Vincenzo De Feo, Mejdi Snoussi
Summary: This study identified the chemical composition of P. incisa and discovered its antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic activities. The results suggest that P. incisa is a significant source of medicinal compounds.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ippolito Camele, Sadeek A. Sadeek, Rocco Racioppi, Hazem S. Elshafie
Summary: This research evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Beauveria bassiana and its metabolites against various bacteria. The results demonstrated that the metabolites of B. bassiana have significant antimicrobial effects against most bacteria.
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Hazem S. Elshafie, Ippolito Camele
Summary: Essential oils, derived from plants, are concentrated liquids containing bioactive chemicals and volatile substances. They have been used in folk medicine for their antibacterial properties and have potential applications in the food and cosmetics industries. This Special Issue provides in-depth research on different plant essential oils and their chemical constituents and pharmaceutical functions.