Article
Plant Sciences
Aamir Mushtaq, Rukhsana Anwar, Umar Farooq Gohar, Mobasher Ahmad, Romina Alina Marc (Vlaic), Crina Carmen Muresan, Marius Irimie, Elena Bobescu
Summary: This study investigated the memory-enhancing properties of Lavandula Stoechas L. The active fraction AfL.s of the plant showed improvement in memory retention behavior in mice and positive effects on biochemical parameters in the brain. However, high doses of AfL.s resulted in hyperactivity and death in mice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tuba Aydin, Ruya Saglamtas, Mehmet Gumustas, Mucip Genisel, Cavit Kazaz, Ahmet Cakir
Summary: In this study, the most efficient solvent system for extracting ursolic acid from lavender was found to be methanol-dichloromethane (1 : 1, v/v), with a yield of 2.22 g/100 g plant sample. A new practical method for isolating ursolic acid from polar extracts was also demonstrated for the first time. The extracts and ursolic acid showed strong inhibition of α-glycosidase activity, making them potential herbal sources for controlling postprandial blood sugar levels and preventing diabetes.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
P. Pablo Ferrer-Gallego
Summary: This paper revises the typification of the name Lavandula viridis (Labiatae). A holotype previously identified by Upson and Andrews from a specimen at the herbarium BM is found to consist of multiple elements. Therefore, a lectotype is designated according to the Shenzhen Code of 2018, using a specimen collected by Francis Masson in Madeira in 1776 and preserved at BM.
Article
Plant Sciences
Majid Vakil Asadollahei, Javad Tabatabaeian, Maryam Yousefifard, Sayyed Mohammad Ehsan Mahdavi, Marzieh Sabagh Nekonam
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the changes in phytochemical compositions of Lavandula stoechas L. treated with biotic (chitin) and abiotic (copper nanoparticle) elicitors. The results showed that the contents of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and flavonols were highest in the elicited plants. Additionally, the elicitors played a role in increasing the percentage of secondary metabolites.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zahra Tayarani-Najaran, Elham Hadipour, Seyed Mahdi Seyed Mousavi, Seyed Ahmad Emami, Leila Mohtashami, Behjat Javadi
Summary: The study demonstrated that Lavandula stoechas methanol extract showed protective effects on 6-hydroxydopamine-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in PC12 cells, indicating its potential as a valuable source of active compounds with neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Enrique Melero-Bravo, Gonzalo Ortiz de Elguea-Culebras, Raul Sanchez-Vioque, Montserrat Fernandez-Sestelo, David Herraiz-Penalver
Summary: Rosemary, an important aromatic species in the Mediterranean basin, is a source of natural bioactive compounds. However, the lack of selection and standardized material leads to variability in the essential oil composition. This study monitored the essential oil composition of Spanish rosemary populations and found that the variability is mainly controlled by genetics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jelena Vladic, Igor Jerkovic, Sandra Svilovic, Valentina Pavic, Kristian Pastor, Alexandre Paiva, Stela Jokic, Silvia Rebocho, Ana Rita Duarte
Summary: The study aims to establish a green methodology for obtaining safe, high-quality, and potent antibacterial extracts from Lavandula stoechas flowers using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extraction. The effects of different scCO2 parameters on the extraction yield, chemical profile of the extracts, and antibacterial activity were investigated. Pattern recognition approach was applied to explore the correlations between scCO2 parameters, detected volatile compounds, and extracts' antibacterial properties.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines Mansinhos, Sandra Goncalves, Raquel Rodriguez-Solana, Jose Luis Ordonez-Diaz, Jose Manuel Moreno-Rojas, Anabela Romano
Summary: The combination of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) was found to be effective in extracting phenolic compounds from Lavandula pedunculata subsp. lusitanica, resulting in high antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibitory capacity. Organic acid-based NADES showed to be the best extractants producing extracts with considerable ability to inhibit enzymes.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Monica Zuzarte, Vera Francisco, Bruno Neves, Joana Liberal, Carlos Cavaleiro, Jorge Canhoto, Ligia Salgueiro, Maria Teresa Cruz
Summary: The chemical composition of Lavandula viridis L ' Her. volatile extract was examined, and its effects on inflammatory response and oxidative stress were evaluated. The study demonstrated the potential of this species for plant-based therapies.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ali Benadjaoud, Mohammed Dadach, Ali El-Keblawy, Zoheir Mehdadi
Summary: The effects of seed priming with KCl on Butterfly lavender germination under salinity and water stress were investigated. The results showed that seed priming significantly increased the germination percentage and rate in higher salinity and lower water potential levels.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Taoufiq Benali, Ahmed Lemhadri, Kaoutar Harboul, Houda Chtibi, Abdelmajid Khabbach, Si Mohamed Jadouali, Luisa Quesada-Romero, Said Louahlia, Khalil Hammani, Adib Ghaleb, Learn-Han Lee, Abdelhakim Bouyahya, Marius Emil Rusu, Mohamed Akhazzane
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the chemical compounds of Lavandula stoechas essential oil and investigate its antibacterial, anticandidal, and antioxidant effects, as well as its in silico anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. The results showed variation in the chemical composition of the oil depending on the site of growth. The oil exhibited significant antioxidant, antibacterial, anticandidal, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hnia Chograni, Leila Riahi, Chokri Messaoud
Summary: This study investigated the variability of volatile and phenolic secondary metabolites among nine wild germplasms of Lavandula stoechas L. in Tunisia, identifying a new chemotype and significant phytochemical polymorphism. Salviolinic acid and luteolin-7-o-glucoside were found to be the most abundant phenolic compounds. The detection of phytochemical polymorphism highlights the genetic background as the main explaining factor, suggesting the value of Tunisian L. stoechas L. genetic resources for breeding programs.
BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMATICS AND ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Milica Acimovic, Jovana Stankovic Jeremic, Marina Todosijevic, Biljana Kiprovski, Senka Vidovic, Jelena Vladic, Lato Pezo
Summary: The most abundant volatile compounds in sweet wormwood essential oil are artemisia ketone and trans-caryophyllene, while the major compounds in the hydrosol are camphor, 1,8-cineole, and artemisia ketone. Sweet wormwood essential oil can be classified into four chemotypes: artemisia ketone+artemisia alcohol, artemisia ketone, camphor, and nonspecific. The high content of camphor, 1,8-cineole, and artemisia ketone in sweet wormwood hydrosol makes it a potential substitute in various industries.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Soumaya Hmissi, Hnia Chograni, Islem Yangui, Leila Riahi, Mohamed Boussaid, Chokri Messaoud
Summary: This study assessed the genetic diversity and relationships among wild genetic resources of Lavandula stoechas L. in Tunisia. The results showed low genetic diversity and high genetic differentiation among populations. Clustering analysis indicated that population grouping was independent of eco-geographic origins. It is crucial to develop conservation strategies and increase population sizes for the sustainability of this endangered species.
GENETIC RESOURCES AND CROP EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yassine Ez Zoubi, Mouhcine Fadil, Dalila Bousta, Abdelhakim El Ouali Lalami, Mohammed Lachkar, Abdellah Farah
Summary: This study successfully improved the yield and total concentration of polyphenols extracted from Lavandula stoechas by optimizing the extraction parameters using ultrasound-assisted extraction technique, validating the effectiveness of the extraction model.
JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Cristina Moiteiro, Igor Marques, William G. Ryder, Vasco Cachatra, Silvia Carvalho, Li-Jun Chen, Brian J. Goodfellow, Philip A. Gale, Vitor Felix
Summary: Using the chemical versatility of the benzo[b]thiophene motif, an extensive library of 24 (thio)urea receptors with different binding properties was studied. Experimental results showed that the lipophilicity and hydrogen bonding ability of the receptors play crucial roles in anion transmembrane transport activity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Helena Trindade, Carolina Ferro Rodrigues, Rogerio Tenreiro, Ana Tenreiro, Luis Gaspar Pedro
Summary: This study evaluated the chemical stability and gene expression levels in Thymus caespititius Brot. essential oil, investigating the correlation between seasonal essential oil variation and terpene synthase gene expression patterns. Different genes showed varying effects on essential oil composition, suggesting a need for further research to identify the factors controlling the final bouquet of essential oil composition.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Helena Santos, Catarina Augusto, Pedro Reis, Cecilia Rego, Ana Cristina Figueiredo, Ana Margarida Fortes
Summary: This study characterized the volatile profile of Trincadeira grapes and investigated its changes under infection with Botrytis cinerea. The results showed that infected grapes had higher contents of ester acetates and lower contents of fatty acid esters. The up-regulation of a gene involved in volatile metabolism was also observed. These changes may impact the grape quality and defense against B. cinerea.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Ruas, Angelica Graca, Joana Marto, Lidia Goncalves, Ana Oliveira, Alexandra Nogueira da Silva, Madalena Pimentel, Artur Mendes Moura, Ana Teresa Serra, Ana Cristina Figueiredo, Helena M. Ribeiro
Summary: This study assessed the chemical composition, bioactivity, and sensory properties of Portuguese essential oils and hydrolates. Some of the studied oils and hydrolates showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making them possible candidates for more sustainable and responsibly sourced ingredients.
Review
Plant Sciences
Claudia S. Tavares, Jose A. Gameiro, Luisa B. Roseiro, A. Cristina Figueiredo
Summary: An hydrolate is a distillate obtained after essential oil distillation, consisting of distilled water, essential oil droplets, and water-soluble components. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the volatile components of 362 hydrolates from 194 species, detailing the corresponding essential oil components. It also surveys the extraction and analysis methodologies, characteristics, traditional uses, and biological properties of hydrolates.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Alexandra M. Machado, Andreia Tomas, Paulo Russo-Almeida, Aida Duarte, Marilia Antunes, Miguel Vilas-Boas, M. Graca Miguel, A. Cristina Figueiredo
Summary: The quality and physicochemical parameters of Portuguese monofloral honeys were evaluated, including pollen analysis, microbiological safety, and characterization of physicochemical parameters. Significant differences were found among different honey types in terms of physicochemical parameters, suggesting that specific parameters can aid in identifying monofloral honeys.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alexandra M. Machado, Violeta Lopes, Ana M. Barata, Orlanda Povoa, Noemia Farinha, A. Cristina Figueiredo
Summary: This study evaluated the essential oils (EOs) of Origanum vulgare subsp. virens (Hoffmanns. & Link) Ietsw. isolated from different regions in mainland Portugal. The EOs were analyzed for their composition and yield using hydrodistillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed a considerable variability in the composition of the EOs, emphasizing the importance of avoiding wild plant collections for market-relevant crop production.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joselia Monteiro, Paula Scotti-Campos, Isabel Pais, A. Cristina Figueiredo, Dulce Viegas, Fernando Reboredo
Summary: The evaluation of the elemental content of moringa leaves and flowers revealed that they are a good source of macro and micronutrients, as well as important polyunsaturated fatty acids. The flowers contain a significant amount of soluble sugars. The essential oils extracted from different parts of the moringa plant are mainly composed of alkanes and fatty acids. Further studies will determine if the consumption of moringa can address nutritional imbalances and prevent hypertension and diabetes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Silvia Carvalho, Joao Pires, Cristina Moiteiro, Moises L. Pinto
Summary: A new imine-linked polymer organic framework with microporosity and temperature stability has been synthesized using inexpensive reagents. The material has a higher capacity to adsorb NO compared to H2S. This study explores the potential use of the framework in the therapeutic release of NO or H2S.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ana Margarida Rodrigues, Ana Rita Mendes, Maria Filomena Caeiro, Ana Cristina Figueiredo, Lia Ascensao
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the secretory structures of the endemic aromatic Asteraceae plant Santolina impressa, analyze its essential oil from the aerial organs, and evaluate its antiviral activity against herpes simplex viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2. The study found that Santolina impressa secreted an oleoresin and a resin rich in flavonoids through biseriate glandular trichomes and secretory ducts. The essential oil of Santolina impressa mainly consisted of monoterpenes, with β-pinene and β-phellandrene as the major components. The essential oil exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections in Vero cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Tavares, Carolina Ferro Rodrigues, Elsa Goncalves, Alexandra M. Machado, Luis Pedro, Jose Barroso, Anabela Mauricio, Nuno Franco, Delio Raimundo, Valerio Pita, Claudia Sanchez, Ana Cristina Figueiredo
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of cultural factors and conservation methods on the volatile profile of 'Gala' apples. The results showed that irrigation and nitrogen treatments had minimal impact on the volatile profile, while storage conditions significantly altered the ratio between compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana Lima, Filipe Arruda, Alexandre Janeiro, Tania Rodrigues, Jose Baptista, Ana Cristina Figueiredo, Elisabete Lima
Summary: This study aimed to determine the yield and chemical composition of essential oils extracted from different parts of Azorean Cryptomeria japonica and investigate their antimicrobial and brine shrimp lethality effects. Results showed differences in yield and chemical composition of the essential oils from different parts, as well as different biological activities, especially in the cone samples.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Alexandra M. Machado, Violeta Lopes, Ana Maria Barata, Orlanda Povoa, Noemia Farinha, Ana Cristina Figueiredo
Summary: This study evaluated the essential oils of two Apiaceae species, Coriandrum sativum and Foeniculum vulgare, commonly grown in Portugal. The essential oils were analyzed and revealed differences in chemical composition between the fruits and vegetative aerial parts of coriander, as well as differences in composition between different samples of fennel fruits. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the variability of these species' essential oils.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jorge M. S. Faria, Tomas Cavaco, Diogo Goncalves, Pedro Barbosa, Dora Martins Teixeira, Cristina Moiteiro, Maria L. Inacio
Summary: Control of pine wilt disease caused by the pinewood nematode (PWN) can be achieved by trunk injection of nematicides. Essential oils (EOs) are potential alternatives due to their biodegradability and low toxicity. This study evaluated the toxicity of EOs and their mixtures against PWN and compared them with a commercial nematicide. The results showed that certain EO mixtures exhibited high activities against PWN, with low toxicity to mammals and potential for environmental degradation.