Essential Oil Research Articles

Physicochemical properties of rosemary essential oil-based nanoemulsions and their implications for oral health: proof-of-concept in vitro studies

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop and characterize a stable rosemary essential oil (REO) nanoemulsion for intraoral use utilizing a low-energy spontaneous emulsification method and to assess its potential in oral healthcare. REO was obtained via hydrodistillation and characterized by GC-MS. Nanoemulsions were prepared using different concentrations of REO and polysorbate 20, followed by physicochemical stability, droplet size, and zeta potential analyses. Bioadhesion and biorheological properties were evaluated by contact angle measurements and rheological testing using artificial saliva. The formulated nanoemulsions displayed excellent stability, desirable droplet sizes, and zeta potential values, indicating their potential for effective delivery within the oral cavity. The antioxidant capacity of REO was confirmed by DPPH assays. The nanoemulsions exhibited favorable bioadhesion properties and altered the rheological behavior of saliva mixtures in a concentration-dependent manner. This study successfully formulated stable REO nanoemulsions with antioxidant and bioadhesive properties, making them promising candidates for use in oral healthcare products.

Chemical composition, insecticidal activity and non-target effects of Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski essential oil against immature stages (egg, larvae and pupae) of dengue, filariasis, malaria vectors and four natural predators.

Vector control remains the most effective strategy for preventing serious diseases. The present research was undertaken to check the effectiveness of essential oil (EO) from Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski against Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito species. The EO was tested at concentrations of 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50μl/L. The oil demonstrated 85-100% ovicidal activity at 50μl/L concentration against the eggs of all three species within 24h; it was similar to that of temephos the positive control. It also showed strong larvicidal activity with LC50 values of 51.66, 129.58 and 25.88μl/L within 24h against the larvae of Anopheles, Aedes and Culex species respectively. However, no significant pupicidal activity was observed in any of the mosquito vectors. GC-MS analysis identified ten compounds, with terpene compound α-Pinene (84.57%) as the primary component; this compound may contribute significantly to the observed activity. Toxicity studies revealed that the EO from S. trilobata had no adverse effects on the tested natural predators. The EO was formulated for field application and tested in a laboratory setting; it showed potential larvicidal and ovicidal activities without harming natural predators. Future research should prioritize isolating these compounds, investigating their mode of action and evaluating field applications to develop a viable mosquito control product derived from S. trilobata. The present study reports that EO from S. trilobata is a potent and safe insecticidal agent against the three tested mosquito vectors.

Application of microencapsulated essential oil extracted from Thymus schimperi for its antibacterial and antioxidant activity on minced meat

This study investigated the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of Thymus schimperi essential oil (EO) microencapsulated using spray-drying (SD) and freeze-drying (FD) methods. The effectiveness of these encapsulated EOs was compared to sodium nitrite and an untreated meat sample, serving as a negative control, over a 15-day refrigerated storage period (4 °C). In vitro antioxidant activity, evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, revealed higher values for SD-encapsulated T. schimperi EO compared to FD-encapsulated EO. DPPH radical scavenging activity for SD-encapsulated EO ranged from 4.6 to 45.15%, while FD-encapsulated EO exhibited activity from 2.73 to 39.81%. ABTS radical scavenging activity for SD-encapsulated EO ranged from 10.45 to 35.12%, and for FD-encapsulated EO from 7.24 to 29.82%. FRAP values were 0.68 mg TE/g for SD-encapsulated EO and 0.73 mg TE/g for FD-encapsulated EO. Antibacterial activity, determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), indicated that SD-encapsulated T. schimperi EO demonstrated greater efficacy against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium (MIC: 4 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis (MIC: 8 mg/mL), compared to FD-encapsulated EO (E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium: 8 mg/mL; Staphylococcus aureus: 16 mg/mL; Streptococcus epidermidis: 8 mg/mL). In situ antibacterial activity during refrigerated storage demonstrated the following order of efficacy: sodium nitrite > free T. schimperi EO > SD-encapsulated EO > FD-encapsulated EO > untreated control. These findings suggest that SD-encapsulated T. schimperi EO possesses better antibacterial and antioxidant properties compared to FD-encapsulated EO, indicating its potential as a promising natural preservative for meat products.

Development of active cassava starch foam, through different methods of incorporating thyme essential oil

Development of active cassava starch foam, through different methods of incorporating thyme essential oil

Toxicity and gill alterations in Astyanax lacustris exposed to Lippia alba essential oil

Toxicity and gill alterations in Astyanax lacustris exposed to Lippia alba essential oil

Combined analysis of the endophytic fungi and volatile oil content of different Aquilaria sinensis germplasms revealed the correlations between endophytic fungal abundances and agarwood production

Combined analysis of the endophytic fungi and volatile oil content of different Aquilaria sinensis germplasms revealed the correlations between endophytic fungal abundances and agarwood production

Harnessing Essential Oils for Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition: A Literature Review.

Aromatherapy, a branch of herbal and alternative medicine, has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological approach to treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its potential to enhance cognitive function. This comprehensive review evaluates the inhibitory effects of various plant essential oils (EOs) on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, a key enzyme implicated in the pathophysiology of AD. Our analysis highlights EOs from the Lamiaceae family, particularly rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) and lavender (Lavandula officinalis), which demonstrated the most potent AChE inhibitory effects. Key chemical constituents such as α- and β-pinene, limonene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, caryophyllene, estragole, eugenol, and asarone were identified as the primary active components responsible for these effects. Additionally, we discuss the biochemical mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of these EOs and their potential role in developing effective therapies for AD. Our findings underscore the therapeutic promise of specific EOs and their constituents in managing cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative disorders.

Evaluation of Essential Oils for Managing Purple Blotch Disease and Enhancing Growth in Garlic (Allium sativum L.)

A research trial was conducted during the Rabi season of 2023-24 at the Central Research Field, Department of Plant Pathology, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The aim of the experiment was to assess the impact of various essential oils on the purple blotch disease in garlic, which is caused by Alternaria porri, as well as other growth parameters. The trial included seven treatments: T1- neem oil (5%), T2- eucalyptus oil (5%), T3- clove oil (5%), T4- castor oil (5%), T5- mustard oil (5%), T6- mancozeb 75 WP (0.2%), and T0- control, with each treatment replicated three times to manage the disease and to analyse the effects of the treatments on growth parameters. It was noted that all treatments significantly enhanced the growth parameters of garlic and lowered the severity of the disease. From the study of results, it was concluded that among all the treatments, the most effective for influencing the growth parameters viz. plant height (cm) was T1- Neem oil (55.60) followed by T3- Clove oil (53.46), T2- Eucalyptus oil (52.00), T4- Castor oil (50.93) and T5- Mustard oil (50.60) as compared to T0- Control (46.66) and check T6- Mancozeb (57.13), number of leaves was T1- Neem oil (5.86) followed by T3- Clove oil (5.60), T2- Eucalyptus oil (5.53), T4- Castor oil (5.33) and T5- Mustard oil (5.26) as compared to T0- Control (4.93) and check T6- Mancozeb (5.93). The study also concluded that cost benefit ratio significantly increased in the treatment T1- Neem oil (1:4.30) followed by T3- Clove oil (1:3.95), T2- Eucalyptus oil (1:3.74), T4- Castor oil (1:3.55) and T5- Mustard oil (1:3.40) as compared to T0- Control (1:2.47) and check T6- Mancozeb (1:6.15).

Ethnomedical inventory of aromatic and medicinal plants in central area of Morocco: Comparative analysis of urban zones and the interactions between plant material, preparation, and administration approaches

Ethnomedical inventory of aromatic and medicinal plants in central area of Morocco: Comparative analysis of urban zones and the interactions between plant material, preparation, and administration approaches

Preparation, characterization, and antifungal activity of (E)-2-octenal/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex against the blue mold in citrus fruit caused by a prochloraz-resistant Penicillium italicum strain.

To overcome the hydrophobicity and effumability restriction of the essential oil in practice, we aim to fabricate the (E)-2-octenal-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (O/β-CDIC) and investigate its encapsulation mechanism. The O/β-CDIC was fabricated using saturated aqueous solution method combined with freeze-dried method. The encapsulation efficiency and loading content of O/β-CDIC were 45.61±1.37% and 2.97±0.08%. In vitro assays, the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MFC (Minimum Fungicidal Concentration) of the O/β-CDIC were 2.00 and 8.00mg·mL⁻¹ for P. italicum XX5 mycelial growth, respectively. In addition, the O/β-CDIC effectively reduced the incidence of blue mold in citrus fruit and maintained fruit quality. The detailed structure characterization combined with the molecular docking study, molecular electrostatic potential, and independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld analysis collectively demonstrated that (E)-2-octenal was entrapped successfully within the β-CD cavity. The O/β-CDIC significantly enhanced the thermal stability and phase solubility of (E)-2-octenal while effectively preserving its antifungal activity. Characterization analyses confirmed the presence of non-covalent interactions between β-CD and (E)-2-octenal.

Antimicrobial Activity of Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Essential Oil in Meat and Meat Products: A Systematic Review

Background: Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil is widely recognized for its potent antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable natural preservative in food products, particularly in meat and meat derivatives, where it helps extend shelf life and enhance food safety. Methods: This systematic review aims to evaluate the application of clove essential oil in meat and meat products, following the PRISMA 2020 methodology, to analyze its antimicrobial efficacy and its impact on the preservation of these products. The information search was carried out in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases and included research articles in English published between 1999 and 2024, and 37 studies were confirmed as eligible. Results: Due to the heterogeneity of methodologies and concentrations evaluated, a narrative analysis was chosen, organizing the studies into three categories according to the application of the essential oil: direct addition, use in edible films and coatings, and encapsulation. The analysis included the main components of the essential oil, the activity analysis method, a concentration evaluation, storage conditions, the activities obtained, and a sensory evaluation. However, variability in methodologies and concentrations made direct comparison between studies difficult. Conclusions: Overall, this review confirms the effectiveness of clove essential oil in preserving meat and meat products but highlights the need to standardize its concentration and application conditions to optimize its use in the food industry.

Approaches to grass standardization the moldovan snakehead

Introduction. Dracocephalum moldavica L. is an annual herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae family. The above-ground part of this plant contains various biologically active substances – essential oil, flavonoids and their glycosides, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, steroids, lignans, anthocyanins, iridoids, polysaccharides, pectin substances. A method for obtaining a pharmaceutical substance in the form of a dry extract has been developed at VILAR. In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that it has pronounced anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activities, which may be promising for its further study. One of the main conditions for ensuring the quality of the developed substance is the solution of issues of standardization of the herb of the Moldavian dragonhead and the extract obtained from it. Objective: To establish criteria of authenticity and quality indicators that allow for quality control of the herb of the Moldavian dragonhead. Material and methods. The object of the study is dried Moldavian dragonhead herb, harvested in the North Caucasian branch of VILAR during the budding and flowering phases in 2018, in the Middle Volga branch of VILAR and in the VILAR experimental field during the flowering phase in 2020. The entire study was carried out in accordance with the general pharmacopoeial articles of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XV edition. Results. As a result of the studies, morphological and anatomical diagnostic features of the raw materials were established, a method for assessing authenticity by TLC with a standard sample of rosmarinic acid was developed, the nomenclature of numerical indicators and their norms were determined. For the quantitative assessment of biologically active substances, a method for determining the amount of phenolic compounds in terms of rosmarinic acid was developed and validated. Analysis of samples of experimental batches of Moldavian dragonhead herb made it possible to establish the standard content of phenolic compounds in terms of rosmarinic acid of at least 4%. Conclusion. The obtained data allowed us to develop and formalize a normative document – a draft pharmacopoeial article “Moldavian dragonhead herb”.

Variations of the chemical components and biological activities of Thymus capitatus essential oil from three regions in Palestine

Thymus capitatus is a widely utilized medicinal plant in Palestine. The main goal of this study was to assess the phytochemical content of T. capitatus essential oils (EOs) from three Palestinian regions using hydro-distillation. Furthermore, the EO extracted from the plant was subjected to biological tests. GC-MS spectrometry was used to identify and quantify the elements in the EOs examined. The DPPH assay and the β-carotene-linoleic acid assay were utilized to determine the levels of antioxidant activity. The plant’s anti-lipase activity was carried out using a pancreatic lipase inhibition assay. α-amylase inhibitory activity of the EOs samples was studied compared with the hypoglycemic drug, Acarbose. An antimicrobial assay was conducted against seven common bacteria and fungi types. Additionally, Hep-G2 cells were used to assess the anticancer activity. The EO components were mainly monoterpenes, thymol, and carvacrol. Chemical components of the EOs varied between districts (Ramallah: carvacrol (31.25%), γ-terpinene (30.94%), Jenin: γ-terpinene (67%), cis-b-terpineol (12.91%), Hebron: thymol (40.35%), b-Caryophyllene (13.23%) were the main components of the EOs in the districts. The antioxidant activity of T. capitatus EOs was shown to be dose-dependent. The results showed that the three districts had nearly the same IC50, a fourth-fold of gallic acid. The Hebron sample of T. capitatus EO showed antibacterial activity with MIC values between 0.1953 and 1.5625 µg/mL. All samples showed anti-lipase activity higher than Orlistat at concentrations equal to or above 200 µg/ml. Furthermore, all three EO samples inhibited α-amylase concentration-dependently. All samples showed promising cytotoxicity results against Hep-G2, with an average percent inhibition of 85% at a concentration of 62.5 µg/mL. The chemical composition of the EO of T. capitatus is related to the plant’s origin, soil components, genetic variables, and climatic conditions, which in turn reflect the plant’s biological activity.

Optimizing saffron bioactive extraction with deep eutectic solvents

Saffron is a rich collection of bioactive components including safranal, crocins, crocetin, essential oils, picrocrocins, etc. The extraction method plays a significant role in obtaining these bioactive compounds. Efficacious extraction of bioactive components must meet the green chemistry requirements for environment-friendly, safety, little impurities, economic, and efficiency. Experimental studies have demonstrated that deep eutectic solvents exhibit high efficiency in extracting phenolic compounds from saffron. Specifically, the using Choline chloride (CHO) as hydrogen bond acceptor has shown excellent extraction efficiency under laboratory conditions, confirming its strong capability in recovering valuable bioactive compounds. In this study, the possibility of extracting saffron bioactive components using six different binary eutectic solvents has been investigated through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results of this study showed that the structural and surface characteristics of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) and bioactive molecules affect the type and strength of their interactions. Based on interaction energy values, Caprylic acid (CAP) + DL-menthol (DLM) solvent had the best performance in extracting bioactive components α-Carotene (ACA), β-Carotene (BCA), and Zeaxanthin (ZEA) with energy values − 134.349, − 137.136, and − 143.676 kJ/mol respectively. Accordingly, it is suggested that any type of solvent is not suitable for extracting active compounds. The results of this study show that deep eutectic solvents as green and versatile solvents can open a new promising window for research in sustainable engineering and chemistry.

Mitigating Heart Rot or Black Heart Deterioration of Pomegranates Caused by Storage Fungi by use of Essential Oils

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is very important and nutritious fruit crop. India is leading producer and exporter of pomegranate. In India Maharashtra is leading producer of pomegranate. Due to its nutritional and export value its demand is increasing. As the moisture content is very high in freshly harvested fruits about 20% fruits are damaged during transport and storage by fungi. It is observed that inside of the fruit are becoming black and aril are decaying. This disease is known as heart rot or black heart. This rot is due to certain fungi such as Alternaria alternata Keissler, Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Botrytis cinerea Pers, Penicillium glabrum Wehmer and Pilidiella granati. The infection in pomegranates takes place when flowers are opened and anther dehiscence is going to start. The conidia of Alternaria travel together with pollen grains during pollination. The fungus enters the fruit through the tunnel in style into the interior of the fruit. From tunnels they enter into the locules of the fruits and deteriorate the aril of seeds converting them into black colours. Any strategy to control the black heart disease of pomegranate after harvesting the fruits will not be successful as the pathogen enters the host during flowering stage. Therefore spraying at flowering stage will surely be more beneficial approach. The most effective fungicides against heart rot or black heart of pomegranates are Inspire super, Switch, Inspire XT and Pristine. These fungicides are toxic to environment as well as human being. Therefore the purpose of our study is to search for harmless fungicides of plant origin which can be sprayed at the time of anthesis. Several essential oils isolated from higher plants are reported to have antifungal properties. Two essential oils isolated from lemon grass and eucalyptus were selected for antifungal testing against the four major fungi responsible for heart rot in pomegranate such as Alternaria alternata Keissler, Aspergillus niger van Tieghem, Botrytis cinerea Pers and Penicillium glabrum Wehmer. MIC and MCC of Cymbopogon citratus EO was 4.5µl ml-1 and 5.0 µl ml-1, while MIC and MCC of Eucalyptus citriodora EO was 3.0 µl ml-1 and 3.0 µl ml-1 all the four test fungi. Oil combination test in 1:1 ratio was quite more effective controlling these fungi

Active Packaging Based on a PET/PP Food-Grade Film Coated with Pullulan and Clove Essential Oil: Physicochemical and Antimicrobial Properties

The objective of this study was to design an active packaging material based on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/polypropylene (PP) film modified with a pullulan coating enriched with 1, 5, and 10% of clove essential oil (CEO). The physical properties of modified PET/PP films, including opacity, UV, and light visible barrier properties, were evaluated, and calorimetric measurement of color (L*a*b*) was performed, followed by determination of their potential of antioxidant activity and antimicrobial properties against foodborne pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, S. Enteritidis, S. aureus and L. monocytogenes) were characterized. Additionally, the effectiveness of the active packaging in reducing pathogenic bacteria on spinach leaves was evaluated. The PET/PP film with a pullulan coating enriched with CEO did not affect their transparency. The incorporation of CEO improved the film’s UV and visible light barrier properties without causing noticeable color changes while also exhibiting good antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the application of active packaging effectively inhibited the growth of pathogenic bacteria on spinach leaves, demonstrating its potential for food preservation.

Optimization of supercritical fluid extraction and characterization of essential oil from Ethiopian thymus species

Optimization of supercritical fluid extraction and characterization of essential oil from Ethiopian thymus species

Lemon Dietary Fibre-Based Powder as a Promising Ingredient for the Food Industry: Enhancing Mortadella Nutritional Quality

Lemon co-products are valuable due to their high dietary fibre, making them significant for valorisation. This research aimed to characterise an innovative lemon dietary fibre (LDF) obtained through integrated extraction (of essential oil, phenolic compounds (PCs), and pectin) by evaluating its chemical, physicochemical, structural, techno-functional, total phenolic content, and antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The effects of incorporating LDF (3% and 6%) into mortadella, a bologna-type sausage, on chemical, physicochemical, technological, and sensory properties were analysed. LDF exhibited a total dietary fibre content of 85.79%, mainly insoluble (52.55%). Hesperidin (89.97–894.44 mg/100 g DW) and eriocitrin (68.75–146.35 mg/100 g DW) were the major free PCs. The major bound PCs were vanillin (5.90–9.16 mg/100 g DW) and apigenin-7-O-glucoside (8.82 mg/100 g DW). This functional ingredient demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial activity. LDF significantly influenced mortadella’s colour, texture, and mineral composition. Higher levels of LDF result in a paler colour and increased hardness and contribute to reducing sodium levels of the final product. It also decreased residual nitrite levels, although this reduction was followed by a slight increase in lipid oxidation, which remained below the rancidity threshold (≥1.0), ensuring acceptable product quality. Sensory evaluation revealed positive feedback, favouring the 3% LDF formulation.

Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens): Extraction Methods, Bioactivity, Encapsulation, and Food Applications – A Review

Geranium Essential Oil (Pelargonium graveolens): Extraction Methods, Bioactivity, Encapsulation, and Food Applications – A Review

Vetiver, Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash: Biotechnology, Biorefineries, and the Production of Volatile Phytochemicals

This current review study covers the applications of vetiver essential oil (VEO) in phytoremediation, emphasizing its remedial capabilities in the cleaning of environmental pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, heavy metals, dyes, and other industrial wastes such as chemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and other radioactive wastes. The review also emphasizes the pharmacological potential of vetiver essential oil for different applications, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antitubercular, antihyperglycemic, antidepressant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective uses. The commercial potential of vetiver essential oil in diverse sectors, including global perspectives, is also illustrated along with demand scenarios in different sectors like food, beverage, fragrance, cosmetic and aromatherapy, hygiene, and pharmaceutical sectors. The main constituents of vetiver oil, their relative proportion, and the key findings of pharmacological studies performed using VEOs or their constituents are also summarized in this review article, with special emphasis on activity against phytopathogens.