Combination Of Essential Oils Research Articles

Insecticidal and repellent activities of Artemisia herba alba Asso, Juniperus phoenicea L and Rosmarinus officinalis L essential oils in synergized combinations against adults of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Using essential oil (EO) mixtures to improve their single effectiveness aids to minimize insect resistance to synthetic insecticides and reduce the amounts of the applied bio-products. This study seeks to identify the chemical compositions of nine binary combinations of EOs of Artemisia herba alba Asso (A), Juniperus phoenicea L (B), and Rosmarinus officinalis L (C), by Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) side to side with the evaluation of their toxicity and repellency effectiveness against adults of Tribolium castaneum Herbst by fumigation and repellent tests. GC-MS results revealed that each mixture was dominated by one of the following compounds: Car-3-en-5-one, α-pinene, exo-2,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-, and Camphor. After 24 h of treatment, the most toxic mixtures were H (3C:1A), L (1B:1C), with K (1B:3C) (LD50 = 64.99, 68.98, and 74.76 μL/L air, respectively). After 96 h, synergistic mixtures K, I (1C:1A), and L seemed to be the most potent (LD50 = 55.6, 57.63, and 58.46 μL/L air, respectively) throughout the period of treatment. LT90 values at the concentration of 83.66 μL/L air did not exceed the limit of 19.20 h for the less potent blend. The most repellent mixtures were F, D, E, and H, showing RD90 values of 1.25, 2.99, 3.46, and 3.83 nL/cm2, respectively. All samples showed synergistic effects, except the combinations I and G (1C:3A). The synergistic mixtures might be suitable as alternatives to chemical treatments for the control of T. castaneum, but tests at a larger scale are necessary to confirm our results.

Microencapsulation of Green Capulaga (Elettaria cardamomum) Essential Oil with Maltodextrin and Its Applications in Coffee Drink

Microencapsulation of green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) essential oils and its application is considered an innovative technique to improve the functional properties of coffee drinks. This study aims to determine the best formulations (M) of combination of maltodextrin and cardamom essential oil, parameters such as microcapsule yields, water content, and solubility were measured. To find out whether the microcapsule was applicable for coffee drink, antioxidant activity and taste and aroma of coffee drink mixed with the best formulation were analyzed. Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with four replications was used; the data were analyzed by ANOVA and further tested by the LSD test with a level of 5%. The results showed that formulations significantly affected the yields and solubility of cardamom essential oil microcapsules. The best formulation treatment was formulation M3 with a yield score,water content and solubility of 89.03%, 11.85%, and 93.50%, respectively. Antioxidant activity, aroma and taste scores of ground coffee mixed with M3 were 77.61±0.23%, 4.31 (typical of cardamom, little coffee), and 4.88 (typical of cardamom, little coffee), respectively. While ground coffee only has antioxidant activity of 76.32±0.31%. In conclusion, ground coffee mixed with microencapsulated cardamom essential oil has the potential as a herbal coffee drink. Keywords: Cardamom, Essential oil, Herbal coffee drink, Microencapsulation

Binary Synergistic Combinations of Lavender and Fennel Essential Oils with Amoxicillin.

Microbial resistance is an important problem in modern healthcare systems. In addition to drug resistance, the side effects of current antibiotic applications are also known issues. In this present study, binary combinations of amoxicillin with European Pharmacopoeia quality lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) essential oils were evaluated against human pathogenic microbial strains. The checkerboard method was used to quantify the efficacy of the essential oils in combination with amoxicillin. As an initial result, remarkable in vitro antimicrobial activity was observed at relatively low amoxicillin concentrations using different oil combinations against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, Escherichia coli NRRL B-3008, Salmonella typhi (clinical isolate), respectively. Fractional inhibitory concentrations were calculated and interpreted in terms of addition, synergy, antagonism, or indifferent. A synergistic interaction with the combination F. vulgare essential oil and amoxicillin (fractional inhibitory concentration index = 8.05 × 10-4) was observed against the pathogens E. faecalis and Escherichia coli. Both essential oils together and in combination with amoxicillin showed a synergistic effect with possible future applications.

Microfluidic-Based Formulation of Essential Oils-Loaded Chitosan Coated PLGA Particles Enhances Their Bioavailability and Nematocidal Activity.

In this study, poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) particles were synthesized and coated with chitosan. Three essential oil (EO) components (eugenol, linalool, and geraniol) were entrapped inside these PLGA particles by using the continuous flow-focusing microfluidic method and a partially water-miscible solvent mixture (dichloromethane: acetone mixture (1:10)). Encapsulation of EO components in PLGA particles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction, with encapsulation efficiencies 95.14%, 79.68%, and 71.34% and loading capacities 8.88%, 8.38%, and 5.65% in particles entrapped with eugenol, linalool, and geraniol, respectively. The EO components’ dissociation from the loaded particles exhibited an initial burst release in the first 8 h followed by a sustained release phase at significantly slower rates from the coated particles, extending beyond 5 days. The EO components encapsulated in chitosan coated particles up to 5 μg/mL were not cytotoxic to bovine gut cell line (FFKD-1-R) and had no adverse effect on cell growth and membrane integrity compared with free EO components or uncoated particles. Chitosan coated PLGA particles loaded with combined EO components (10 µg/mL) significantly inhibited the motility of the larval stage of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus axei by 76.9%, and completely inhibited the motility of adult worms (p < 0.05). This nematocidal effect was accompanied by considerable cuticular damage in the treated worms, reflecting a synergistic effect of the combined EO components and an additive effect of chitosan. These results show that encapsulation of EO components, with a potent anthelmintic activity, in chitosan coated PLGA particles improve the bioavailability and efficacy of EO components against ovine gastrointestinal nematodes.

PSII-B-14 Combination of Essential Oils, α-Amylase and 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin-D3 Increases Performance by Feedlot Cattle on Adaptation Period

Abstract Concerns about the use of in animal feed antibiotics are growing. It is, therefore necessary to develop alternative products that can replace antimicrobial feed additives. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effects of associating feed additives on feedlot performance of Nellore bulls. Nellore bulls (n= 160; iBW, 380± 5.8 kg; age, 18 mo) were allocated in 20 pens (n=8/pen), in a completely randomized block design, according to the treatments: 1) MON+VM - Sodium Monensin (MON, 25 mg/kg DM, Elanco Animal Health, Indianapolis, IN), + Virginiamycin (VM, 30 mg/kg DM, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Guarulhos, São Paulo), and 2) CRD - Crina RumistarTM + HyD, a blend of essential oils, 90 mg/kg DM + exogenous α-amylase, 560 mg/kg DM + 25-hydroxy-vitamin-D3 at 1 mg/animal/day (DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland). The initial BW was utilized as a criterion for block formation. Pens were considered experimental units (10 pens per treatment). Animals were adapted to the diets during 14 days with gradually increasing concentrate level from 70% to 86% of diet DM, and fed for 90 days. Weight assessments were performed at day 0 and 28 discounted by 4% from the full BW as ruminal fill. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS and means were separated using the PDIFF statement, adopting P&amp;lt; 0.05. Feeding CRD increased the DMI (10.54 kg vs. 8.74 kg, P&amp;lt; .0001), ADG (2.00 vs. 1.59 kg/d, P&amp;lt; .0001) and final BW (430 vs. 418 kg, P&amp;lt; .0001) compared with animals fed MON+VM. The fluctuation in dry matter intake (4.55, P=0.24) and G:F (0.186, P=0.15) were similar among treatments. Therefore, the inclusion of Crina RumistarTM +HyD can be used as a tool to increase performance of feedlot adaptation period.

Combination of Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Biomaterials and Essential Oils to Achieve Anti-Bacterial and Osteo-Proliferative Properties for 3D-Scaffolds in Regenerative Medicine.

Biomedical implants, an essential part of the medical treatments, still suffer from bacterial infections that hamper patients’ recovery and lives. Antibiotics are widely used to cure those infections but brought antibiotic resistance. Essential oils (EOs) demonstrate excellent antimicrobial activity and low resistance development risk. However, EO application in medicine is still quite scarce and almost no research work considers its use in combination with bioresorbable biomaterials, such as the poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymer. This work aimed to combine the antibacterial properties of EOs and their components, particularly eugenol and cinnamon oil, against Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis and Escherichia coli, with those of PCL for medical applications in which good tissue regeneration and antimicrobial effects are required. The PCL porous scaffolds, added with increasing (from 30% to 50%) concentrations of eugenol and cinnamon oil, were characterized by square-shaped macropores. Saos-2 cells’ cell viability/proliferation was hampered by 40 and 50% EO-enriched PCL, whereas no cytotoxic effect was recorded for both 30% EO-added PCL and pure-PCL. The antibacterial tests revealed the presence of a small inhibition halo around the 30% eugenol and cinnamon oil-functionalized PCL scaffolds only for staphylococci, whereas a significant decrease on both adherent and planktonic bacteria was recorded for all the three microorganisms, thus proving that, even if the EOs are only in part released by the EO-added PCL scaffolds, an anti-adhesive feature is anyway achieved. The scaffold will have the ability to support new tissue formation and simultaneously will be able to prevent post-surgical infection. This research shows the great potential in the use of EOs or their single components, at low concentrations, for biomaterial functionalization with enhanced anti-bacterial and biointegration properties.

Combining Essential Oils with Each Other and with Clotrimazole Prevents the Formation of Candida Biofilms and Eradicates Mature Biofilms.

Fungal infections by Candida spp. are opportunistic and most often occur in individuals with some predisposing factor. Essential oils (EO) have anti-Candida potential, being a therapeutic alternative to be explored, especially for superficial and mucosal candidiasis. The objective was to analyze the synergistic potential between the EO of Citrus limon, Cupressus sempervirens, Litsea cubeba and Melaleuca alternifolia, and each of them with clotrimazole, to inhibit in vitro the formation and eradication of Candida spp. biofilms. Added to this, the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans was evaluated after exposure to EO, clotrimazole and their synergistic combinations. Anti-Candida activity was determined by microdilution for the substances alone and in EO–EO and EO–clotrimazole combinations. The combinations were performed by the checkerboard method, and the reduction in the metabolic activity of biofilms was determined by the viability of MTT/menadione. C. elegans larvae survival was evaluated after 24 h of exposure to EO, clotrimazole and synergistic combinations. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EO ranged from 500 to >4000 µg/mL. The lowest MIC (500 µg/mL) was for C. sempervirens and L. cubeba on a C. krusei isolate; for clotrimazole, the MIC ranged from 0.015 to 0.5 µg/mL. Biofilm inhibition and eradication both ranged from 1000 to >4000 µg/mL. The lethal concentration (LC50) of C. limon, L. cubeba and M. alternifolia was 2000 µg/mL for C. elegans, while for C. sempervirens and clotrimazole, it was not determined within the concentration limits tested. In combination, more than 85% of the larvae survived M. alternifolia–clotrimazole, M. alternifolia–L. cubeba, C. sempervirens–clotrimazole and C. sempervirens–C. limon combinations. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to present a synergistic relationship of EO–EO and EO–clotrimazole combinations on Candida spp. biofilms.

Antimicrobial effects of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil against biofilm-forming multidrug-resistant cystic fibrosis-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a single agent and in combination with commonly nebulized antibiotics.

Broth microdilution assays were used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs) of tea tree oil (TTO), tobramycin, colistin and aztreonam (ATM) against clinical cystic fibrosis-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CFPA) isolates (n = 20). The minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and fractional biofilm eradication concentration index (FBECI) were also determined using a similar microbroth dilution checkerboard assay, with biofilms formed using the MBEC device® . TTO was effective at lower concentrations against multidrug-resistant (MDR) CFPA isolates (n = 3) in a biofilm compared to in a planktonic state (MBEC 18·7-fold lower than MIC). CFPA within biofilm was less susceptible to ATM, colistin and tobramycin compared to planktonic cells (MBEC 6·3-fold, 9·3-fold, and 2·1-fold higher than MIC respectively). All combinations of essential oil and antibiotic showed indifferent relationships (FICI 0·52-1·72) when tested against planktonic MDR CFPA isolates (n = 5). Against CFPA isolates (n = 3) in biofilm, combinations of TTO/aztreonam and TTO/colistin showed indifferent relationships (mean FBECI 0·85 and 0·60 respectively), whereas TTO/tobramycin showed a synergistic relationship (mean FBECI 0·42). The antibiofilm properties of TTO and the synergistic relationship seen between TTO and tobramycin against CFPA invitro make inhaled TTO a promising candidate as a potential therapeutic agent.

Randomised controlled trial comparing the clinical effectiveness of mouthwashes based on essential oils, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and prebiotic in gingivitis treatment.

The present clinical study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of 5 types of mouthwash based on different active substances. The study included 180 patients divided into 6 groups of 30 patients, each group rinsing with one of the following types of mouthwash based on: essential oils, combination of essential oils and 0.12% chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide (0.8%), prebiotic, 0.2% chlorhexidine, and placebo. All participants underwent professional mechanical plaque removal after which they were instructed to rinse with 15 ml mouthwash 2 times a day for 21 days. During the study period, patients were monitored at days 0, 14, and 21, examining oral hygiene index, gingival index, bleeding index, and presence of side effects. Gingival index, bleeding index, and oral hygiene index were reduced statistically significantly in all treatment groups. Adjunctive use of mouthwashes demonstrated better clinical effectiveness compared to mechanical plaque control (and placebo mouthwash). The gingival index and the plaque index were reduced most significantly in the group using mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide. The bleeding index decrease was most significant in the group using 0.2% chlorhexidine. All tested mouthwashes demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness in different degrees in gingivitis treatment. New formulas with prebiotic and combination of essential oils and chlorhexidine indicate promising effectiveness.

Components Analysis of Bioactive Essential Oil Combinations (Lavender, Lemon, and Cinnamon) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and their Activities against In Vitro Photoaging on Hairless Rat Dorsal Skin

The essential oil of lavender, lemon, and cinnamon (LaLC) combination is rich in antioxidants and potentially be used as an anti-wrinkle and strengthens the collagen tissue. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a free radical source that accelerates the aging process and reduces collagen production. This study aims to characterize the chemical components of each oil and determine the best combination as an anti-wrinkle substance. The test was conducted on twenty-four Wistar male rats (Mus musculus) that were divided into six experimental groups consisting of the normal (N), control (C), vehicle control (V), first treatment (T1), second treatment (T2), and third treatment (T3) groups. Each sample was rubbed upon, and the UVB irradiation was administered frequently to each subject. The embedded skin specimen was analyzed using a digital-capable microscope. Data were analyzed through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the post-hoc Tukey's Honest Significant Difference test. Lavender, lemon, and cinnamon essential oils contained each most significant component, which was linalool (41.46% peak area), dl limonene (44.74% peak area), and 2-propenal, 3-phenyl- (CAS) (53.89% peak area), respectively according to the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The T1 showed the best score of all parameters and did not show significant significance compared to the N group. In conclusion, the 1:1:3 combination of LaLC is better in preventing in vitro photoaging than other treatment groups.

Formulation and anti-bacterial of liquid soap combination of Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus L. Rendle), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanni Ness Ex Bi.), and Orange Lemon (Citrus lemon L.) Essential Oils on Staphylococcus epidermidis

The condition of our community in the midst of a pandemic makes us aware of the importance of cleanliness. One way to maintain cleanliness is to clean our self with soap. Cinnamon has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis . Lemongrass has antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , while lemons are able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. The aims of this study are to determine the formulation and physical stability of liquid soap with a combination of lemongrass, cinnamon, and lemon essential oils and to determine its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis . Physical evaluation of soap includes organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, pH, and specific gravity which is compared with SNI, and hedonic test is performed. Antibacterial test was performed against Staphylococcus epidermidis .The results of the study obtained homogeneous liquid soap preparations, thick liquid form, a yellow-orange color, distinctive smell of citronella. Specific gravity (g/ml) test results meet the requirements of SNI, which is between 1.01 – 1.10 at room temperature. The results of the pH test meet the requirements of SNI, which are between 8 – 11. The results of the viscosity (cPas) test show that there is an increase in viscosity from week 1 to week 6. The increase in viscosity is related to particle size during storage. The foam height (cm) test results obtained F1: 11.76 ± 0.67, F2: 11.67 ± 1.25, F3: 11.33 ± 1.02, F4: 11.60 ± 0.79, F5: 11.18 ± 0.84. The results of the hedonic test obtained that the average respondent liked the foam produced, the shape, color, comfort when used, and the smell. The lowest value of the hedonic test is the smell of the liquid soap that is produced. From the results of antibacterial test against S. Epidermidis , it is known that liquid soap has antibacterial activity with strong inhibitory power.

Essential Oils and Melatonin as Functional Ingredients in Dogs.

Simple SummaryPhytogenics are plant-based compounds with beneficial actions in feed technology and/or animal health. These so-called plant secondary metabolites are very diverse and with wide possible applications in humans and animals. Among them, essential oils (EOs) are the most used in feed for livestock and pets. Lately, melatonin has acquired new and interesting applications in dogs. Recent studies using EOs and/or melatonin in dog feeding and their involvement in health aspects are presented.The use of nutraceuticals or functional ingredients is increasingly widespread in human food; their use is also widespread in animal feed. These natural compounds generally come from plant materials and comprise a wide range of substances of a very diverse chemical nature. In animals, these compounds, so-called phytogenics, are used to obtain improvements in feed production/stability and also as functional components with repercussions on animal health. Along with polyphenols, isoprenoid compounds represent a family of substances with wide applications in therapy and pet nutrition. Essential oils (EOs) are a group of complex substances with fat-soluble nature that are widely used. Melatonin is an indolic amine present in all living with amphiphilic nature. In this work, we present a review of the most relevant phytogenics (polyphenol, isoprenoid, and alkaloid compounds), their characteristics, and possible uses as nutraceuticals in dogs, with special emphasis on EOs and their regulatory aspects, applied in foods and topically. Additionally, a presentation of the importance of the use of melatonin in dogs is developed, giving physiological and practical aspects about its use in dog feeding and also in topical application, with examples and future projections. This review points to the combination of EOs and melatonin in food supplements and in the topical application as an innovative product and shows excellent perspectives aimed at addressing dysfunctions in pets, such as the treatment of stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, alopecia, and hair growth problems, among others.

Synergistic antioxidant activities of essential oils and methanolic extracts of Bunium alpinum and Bunium incrassatum from Algeria

Interest in natural substances such as essential oils and plant extracts is growing more and more. The therapeutic efficacy of plant extracts has been proven. However, this efficiency can be improved by combining several extracts at the same time, as is already applied in multidrug therapy. Today, combinations of plant extracts represent a potential new strategy for developing new antioxidant therapies that will increase their effectiveness, taking advantage of their synergistic effects. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of EOs and MEs individually from two Apiaceae; Bunium alpinum (BA) and B. incrassatum (BI) as well as the effects of EOs and EMs in combination. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus, whereas the MEs were prepared by hydro-alcoholic maceration (methanol/water: 1/10 v/v). The antioxidant activity was carried out by two methods: the power reduction test which consists in measuring the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ in the presence of the extracts, which increases the absorbance in the reaction medium at 700 nm. The activity of the combinations was carried out by the DPPH test, this radical placed in the medium with the extracts absorbed at 517 nm, the antioxidant activity can be, then, determined by recording the decrease in the absorbance of the extracts and is compared with the standards (BHT, BHA, tocopherol, quecitin and rutin).Both EOs showed a perfectly dose-dependent ability to reduce Fe3+ by electron transfer reaction with a superiority of MEs. The essential oils of BA and BI were very active by the DPPH test either alone (IC50=0.69 and 0.57μg/ml respectively) or in combination (1.80 μg/ml). While the extracts had lower activities (BA: IC50=21.85±1.32 and BI: 55.77±3.25 μg/ml). Only the combination of essential oils gave a synergistic effect. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that EOs and MEs of B. alpinum and B. incrassatum exhibit interesting antioxidant activity by both methods. These two extracts can be used as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidants or as a possible food supplement after a study of toxicity and cyto-toxicity of the extracts. Other antioxidant techniques and other types of extracts of these species, abundant in Algeria, can be realized later.

Synergistic antifungal effectiveness of essential oils from andean plants combined with commercial drugs

The appearance of antifungal resistance promotes the investigation of therapeutic options. There are few studies on the combined effect of antifungal drugs and essential oils (EOs). In the present work, regarding the association of eight EOs Andean plants with antifungal agents against a panel of fungi strains. Combinatorial effects were determined using the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) and Dose Reduction Index (DRI). A combination of A. cryptantha-B EO with fluconazole showed a synergistic effect against C. Albicans (FIC = 0.31 and DRI = 16.25). EOs from A. cryptantha-A and L. integrifolia showed an additive effect (FICI = 0.75) against C. neoformans. A combination of EOs from A. seriphioides and A. cryptantha-A with terbinafine showed an additive effect on T. rubrum (FIC = 0.56; DRI = 16) and M. gypseum (FICI = 1.03; DRI = 32). In conclusion, combinations between EOs of species from Andean plants and commercial antifungal drugs yielded some interesting findings, as potential antifungal strategies used for treating infections associated with C. Albicans and T. rubrum.

Antifungal Activity of Select Essential Oils against Candida auris and Their Interactions with Antifungal Drugs.

Candida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen that commonly causes nosocomial blood infections in the immunocompromised. Several factors make this pathogen a global threat, including its misidentification as closely related species, its ability to survive for weeks on fomites, and its resistance to commonly prescribed antifungal drugs, sometimes to all three classes of systemic antifungal drugs. These factors demonstrate a need for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to combat this pathogen. In the present study, the antifungal activities of 21 essential oils were tested against C. auris. Several essential oils were observed to inhibit the growth and kill C. auris, Candida lusitaniae, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae when in direct contact and at concentrations considered safe for topical use. The most effective essential oils were those extracted from lemongrass, clove bud, and cinnamon bark. These essential oils also elicited antifungal activity in gaseous form. The efficacies of formulations comprised of these three essential oils in combination with fluconazole, amphotericin B, flucytosine, and micafungin were explored. While synergism was neither observed with cinnamon bark oil nor any of the antifungal drugs, lemongrass oil displayed synergistic, additive, and indifferent interactions with select drugs. Formulations of clove bud oil with amphotericin B resulted in antagonistic interactions but displayed synergistic interactions with fluconazole and flucytosine. These essential oils and their combinations with antifungal drugs may provide useful options for surface disinfection, skin sanitization, and possibly even the treatment of Candida infections.

Combination of cassava starch biopolymer and essential oils for coating table eggs

This work aimed to evaluate the eggshell microbiota and the internal egg quality after coatings with cassava starch biopolymer enriched with different essential oils during 35 days of storage at 20°C. A total of 369 brown table eggs were used and distributed in the following treatments: uncoated eggs, coated with cassava starch + Ginger essential oil (CS+GIN), cassava starch + Lemongrass essential oil (CS+LEM), and cassava starch + Tahiti lemon essential oil (CS+TAH). The count of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria on coated eggshells at 0 and 35 days of storage were similar to each other (mean 0.70 ± 0.37 and 0.91 ± 0.22 log10 CFU/mL) and significantly lower compared to uncoated eggs (2.21 ± 0.17 and 3.17 ± 0.22 log10 CFU/mL), in that order. On the 35th day, coated eggs showed similar Haugh unit (HU) values between them (mean 70.61 ± 5.35; classified as A - high quality) and significantly higher than uncoated eggs (51.60 ± 4.28; classified as B - average quality). Cassava starch coatings added with essential oils preserved the internal quality of the eggs during storage for 5 weeks at 20°C, reducing the eggshell microbiota and effectively keeping it at low levels during storage.

Ovicidal and repellent activities of several plant essential oils against Periplaneta americana L. and enhanced activities from their combined formulation

Natural ovicidal and repellent agents against Periplaneta americana L. are urgently needed, and plant essential oils (EOs) can assume this role quite readily. In this study, ovicidal and repellent activities against Periplaneta americana of EOs from Cymbopogon citratus (Stapf.), Cinnamomum verum (J. Presl.), Eucalyptus globulus (Labill.), Illicium verum (Hook.f.), and Zanthoxylum limonella (Alston) in soybean oil and in ethyl alcohol were determined by topical and dual-choice assays, as well as 10% cypermethrin and a combined formulation of 5% C. verum EO + 5% I. verum EO. Cypermethrin at 10% provided the highest toxicity (100% inhibition rate) against the eggs, but only slightly higher than that (99.3%) provided by the combined EO formulation, while the highest repellent activity against the adults was provided by the combined formulation (89.5% repelled cockroaches at 48 h after treatment). In addition, all EO formulations in soybean oil provided higher ovicidal and repellent activities than those in ethyl alcohol. To conclude, the combined EO formulation in soybean oil can replace cypermethrin because their efficacy was nearly equivalent, but the combination should be much safer to use.

Associative effect of essential oils, tannins, and sodium monensin on the performance of steers finished in feedlot

The objective was to evaluate the productive performance, ingestive behavior, apparent digestibility of the diet and carcass traits of beef steers finished in feedlot under the effect of including tannins and essential oils (TAN+EO) alone or combined with sodium monensin (MO) in the feed. For this purpose, 30 ½ blood Angus steers from the same herd, with an average age of 12 months and an average initial body weight of 367.8 kg were used. The experimental design was randomized blocks, consisting of three treatments: MO - diet with sodium monensin (25 mg kg DM-1); TAN+EO - diet with tannins and essential oils (1.5 g kg DM-1); and MO+TAN+EO - diet with sodium monensin + tannins and essential oils (25 mg kg DM-1 + 1.5 g kg DM-1), with five repetitions, where each repetition was represented by a stall with two animals. Diets were formulated and consisted of a mixture of 40% corn silage and 60% concentrate, which was fed to the animals twice a day, at 06h00 am and 05h30 pm. There was no difference (P&gt;0.05) in average daily weight gain of animals between treatments, with an average of 1.392 kg day-1. Carcass yield was higher for animals that received the compound of essential oils and tannins (55.72%), compared to animals fed the combination of tannins, essential oils and monensin (54.54%) but did not differ from those supplemented with sodium monensin alone (55.58%). Supplementation with essential oils and tannins improved the apparent digestibility of the diet, however, did not promote changes in the ingestive behavior and carcass traits of steers. The combination of essential oils and tannins with sodium monensin did not show a potentiated effect on animal performance, digestibility of DM, digestive and ingestive behavior and carcass traits of feedlot finished steers compared to the combined use of essential oils with tannins.

Preparation of a biodegradable chitosan packaging film based on zinc oxide, calcium chloride, nano clay and poly ethylene glycol incorporated with thyme oil for shelf-life prolongation of sweet cherry

This study includes development of chitosan-based films with incorporated essential thyme oil and different combinations of cross-linkers viz., ZnO, CaCl2, NC, and PEG for the safe storage of sweet cherries. The resulting films stored with sweet cherries were analyzed for different physicochemical and antimicrobial properties. Incorporation of ZnO, CaCl2, NC, and PEG in chitosan-based films maintained fruit quality by conserving higher total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and reduced weight loss. The combined ZnO + CaCl2 + NC + PEG in chitosan-based films also suppressed microbial activity. The sensorial quality of fruits stored with CH + ZnO + CaCl2 + NC + PEG treatment was also stable during storage. In conclusion, the combined CH + ZnO + CaCl2 + NC + PEG with added thyme oil application is an effective approach to maintain the postharvest quality and could be an alternative to increase the shelf life of sweet cherries, besides decreasing environmental impacts of non-biodegradable packages.

Novel Formula of Antiprotozoal Mixtures.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming more common in both bacteria and pathogenic protozoa. Therefore, new solutions are being sought as alternatives to currently used agents. There are many new ideas and solutions, especially compounds of natural origin, including essential oils. In the present study, the antiprotozoal activity of a mixture of essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender, cedar and tea tree), organic acids (acetic acid, propionic acid and lactic acid) and metal ions (Cu, Zn, Mn) were tested. As a model, protozoans were selected: Euglena gracilis, Gregarina blattarum, Amoeba proteus, Paramecium caudatum, Pentatrichomonas hominis. The tested concentrations of mixtures were in the range of 0.001–1.5%. The analyses show unexpected, very strong protozoicidal activity of combinations, presenting the synergy of compounds via determination of LD50 and LD100 values. Obtained mixtures showed significantly higher activity against protozoans, compared to chloramphenicol and metronidazole. Most of the analyzed samples show high antiprotozoal activity at very low concentration, in the range of 0.001–0.009%. The most effective combinations for all analyzed protozoans were the cedar essential oil and tea tree essential oil with a mixture of acids and manganese or zinc ions. Innovative combinations of essential oils, organic acids and metal ions are characterized by very high antiprotozoal activity at low doses, which, after further investigation, can be applicable for control of protozoan pathogens.