Composition Of Essential Oil Research Articles

Essential Oils from the Leaves and Stem Barks of Pluchea Indica (L.) Less.: Chemical Analysis, Cytotoxicity, Anti-inflammation, Antimicrobial Activity, Molecular Docking, and ADMET Profiling.

Pluchea indica (L.) Less. is a medicinal plant native to Asia. Traditionally, it is known for numerous traditional uses, such as treatments for fever, cough, and digestive issues. The present investigation aims to determine the chemical compositions of essential oils from its fresh leaves and stem barks. By using hydro-distillation and the GC-FID/MS (gas chromatography-flame ionization detection/mass spectrometry) analysis, the studied samples were dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (76.8-82.2 %) and their oxygenated derivatives (8.4-19.0 %). β-Selinene (42.0-43.5 %) and silphinene (21.1-22.9 %) were the main compounds. Significantly, the stem bark essential oil strongly monitored the growth of four cancer cell lines K562, HeLa, HepG2, and MCF-7 with IC50 values of 2.89-7.34 μg/mL. Both studied samples showed strong anti-inflammatory activity against NO (nitric oxide) production with IC50 values of 21.81-23.18 μg/mL. The studied sample also exhibited antimicrobial activity at different levels. The molecular docking study revealed that β-selinene exhibited the strongest binding affinity for all four cancer-related protein targets: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), Abelson tyrosine-protein kinase 1 (ABL1), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3 K-α). The ADMET profiles of the major compounds were also predicted to provide insights for further research considerations.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition activities of Crithmum maritimum essential oils: the first chemo-biological study for species grown in North Africa

Crithmum maritimum (sea fennel), is a halophytic plant species found globally in coastal environments. This study is the first investigation into the chemical composition and biological activities of C. maritimum growing wildly in Jebel Akhdar, Libya. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was utilized to identify and profile the plant’s volatile components; it resulted in the identification of twenty-four components, representing 99.17% of the total peaks in the GC-MS chromatogram. The analysis revealed that thymyl methyl ether, γ-terpinene, and ledene oxide, were the major volatile constituents of the plant at relative percentage levels of 56.86, 16.17, and 4.32%, respectively. The analysis also indicated substantial variations in the volatile composition of C. maritimum Libyan species compared to those from various geographic regions. The plant’s volatile oil quality was evaluated by investigating its in vitro antioxidant activity and the oil’s ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and tyrosinase enzymes. The oil markedly scavenged the free radicals and reduced the ferric ions in the DPPH and FRAP assays at levels of 34.30 ± 0.10 and 38.90 ± 0.51 Trolox equivalents, respectively. The plant’s volatile oil has substantially reduced the AChE at the IC50 value of 34.43 ± 0.25 compared to its effect against tyrosinase (IC50 12.449 ± 0.68). The in silico approach was used to highlight the mechanisms underlying the enzyme inhibitory effect of the plant volatile oil. The stigmastene and γ-santonin demonstrate stronger binding affinity towards AChE and tyrosinase compared to the co-crystalized controls, donepezil and tropolone. The study provides significant information for the environmental changes effect on the volatile constituents of C. maritimum and highlights the plant’s importance within the scope of its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities.

Chemical composition and repellent effects of powders and essential oils from Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus phoenicea, and Juniperus thurifera against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The present study evaluated the chemical composition and the potential repellent effect of powders and essential oils (EOs) from Juniperus oxycedrus, Juniperus phoenicea, and Juniperus thurifera against T. castaneum adults. The EOs were extracted by the hydrodistillation method, and their chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The repellent effect of powders and EOs was assessed using the area preference method. GC-MS revealed that the major components of the studied EOs were α-pinene (28.27%) and cubenol (10.75%) for J. phoenicea, β-Eudesmol (23.74%), hedycaryol (12.54%), and olopanone (10.04%) for J. oxycedrus, and oplopanone (26.84%) and α-Santanol acetate (17.28%) for J. thurifera. The powders of three Juniperus species had a repellent effect (class IV) against T. castaneum adults. Among the powders tested, J. phoenicea had the highest average repellency rate of 75.40%, followed by J. oxycedrus with 62.30%, and J. thurifera had the lowest average repellency rate of 60.30%. Moreover, J. phoenicea EO had the highest average repellency rate of 72.50%, followed by J. oxycedrus with 67.40%, while J. thurifera had the lowest average repellency rate of 61.80%.The potential of Juniperus species can be used as biopesticides to control T. castaneum infestations as an alternative to synthetic pesticides.

The leaf essential oils of Meiogyne virgata (Blume) Miq., M. vietnamica Jaikhamseub, T.A.Le & Chaowasku, and Orophea polycarpa A.DC.: Chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, molecular docking, and toxicity profiling

The present study aims to describe the chemical composition of essential oils from three Vietnamese Annonaceae species, Meiogyne virgata, M. vietnamica, and Orophea polycarpa, and their antimicrobial activity. Essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation. From the GC-FID/MS (gas chromatography-flame ionization detection and mass spectrometry) analysis, the leaf essential oil of M. virgata was reported to contain the major compound germacrene D (42.48%). Spathulenol (24.51%), bicyclogermacrene (18.58%), β-selinene (11.14%), and germacrene D (8.20%) can be seen as the main compound in M. vietnamica leaf essential oil. α-Phellandrene (39.35%), bicyclogermacrene (13.07%), β-phellandrene (10.87%), and limonene (8.27%) represented O. polycarpa leaf essential oil. Essential oil of M. virgata leaves exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against the Gram (+) bacterium Bacillus subtilis ATCC 5230, the Gram (-) bacterium Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, and the fungus Aspergillus niger ATCC 9587 with the same MIC value of 16 μg/mL. The docking method showed that germacrene D has the ΔGbinding (binding affinity) values of –6.68, –5.265, and –5.602 kcal/mol with the proteins E. coli DNA gyrase, B. subtilis TasA, and A. niger PhyA, respectively. Alkyl and pi-alkyl interactions are the main contributors to the binding affinity between the studied proteins and ligands. Furthermore, germacrene D is predicted to have low toxicity and is not active against any of the considered organ targets.

Chemical Composition, Anti-microbial, and Cytotoxic Activities of Essential Oil from Magnolia bidoupensis Q. N. Vu leaves, an Endemic Species to the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

An analysis was conducted on the essential oil extracted from the leaves of Magnolia bidoupensis utilizing GC-MS, revealing thirty-three constituents that account for 98.9% of the essential oil. The main components included pogostol (22.4%), δ-selinene (16.2%), and α-amorphene (14.7%). Bioassays were then performed to evaluate the oil's biological activity. The essential oil exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganisms (six bacterial strains and one fungal strain) using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Additional cytotoxicity tests were conducted on KB, HepG2, MCF-7, and A549 cancer cell lines using the MTT method. The essential oil exhibited strong cytotoxic effects on all four cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 1.37 ± 0.05 μg/mL (KB) to 2.40 ± 0.06 μg/mL (A549).

First Report on Salvia Sahendica Boiss & Buhs roots biocomponents characterization by GC-MS and HPLC and Antibacterial Potency

Treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotic resistance is complicated. For this reason, new therapeutic methods are needed to control bacterial infections. Therefore, it is necessary to discover new antibiotics from medicinal plants that can destroy drug-resistant bacteria. Essential oils (EO) of some medicinal plants have antimicrobial effects and can be used as antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections and food industries. The aim of this study was to determine the EO composition and antimicrobial effects of EO and polyphenols profile of Salvia Sahendica roots for the first time. Chemical compounds and antibacterial activity of EOs against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus as gram-positive and Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as gram- negative bacteria were evaluated using microtiter broth dilution method. Studied organs of S. sahendica showed significant diversity in terms of type and percentage of essential oil and polyphenol compounds. Overall, 44, 46, 42, and 45 compounds were identified in the essential oil of leaves, flowers, stems, and roots of this plant, which constituted 99.6, 99.3, 98.2, and 99.4% of total oil composition, respectively. The current study collectively demonstrated inhibitory effects ranged from strong (S. aureus) to low inhibition (P. aeruginosa). According to the HPLC result, the amounts of coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid compounds in the root are higher than in other plant parts, which indicate that the root can be a suitable source for the production of these valuable polyphenol compounds. Due to the results, it is possible to hope for the application of EO from S. sahendica as natural antibacterial in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Factors Affecting the Extraction Components of Artemisia Argyi Volatile Oil

The main components of Artemisia argyi volatile oil include eucalyptol, camphor, pinene, camphene, borneol, and other active substances. These components exhibit various pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, anticancer, choleretic, antiasthmatic, analgesic, hemostatic, and anti-allergic properties. However, due to variations in Artemisia species, growth environments, and extraction methods, the main components and their concentrations in Artemisia argyi volatile oil can vary. This paper systematically summarizes the factors affecting the composition and content of Artemisia argyi volatile oil, detailing how factors such as the source of Artemisia, harvest time, storage methods, plant parts, and extraction methods influence the essential oil components, providing theoretical references for research on extraction processes and high-value utilization of Artemisia argyi.

Comparison of the efficacy of alginate nanoparticles containing Cymbopogon citratus essential oil and citral on melanoma and breast cancer cell lines under normoxic and hypoxic conditions

BackgroundSolid tumors often develop hypoxic regions, leading to aggressive behavior and increased drug resistance.MethodsThe chemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil (EO) was analyzed using GC-MS. Alginate nanoparticles containing the EO and its primary component, citral, were synthesized via the ionic gelation method. Encapsulation was confirmed using ATR-FTIR analysis. The anticancer efficacy of C. citratus EO, citral, and their respective alginate nanoparticles was evaluated under normoxic (21% oxygen) and hypoxic (1% oxygen) conditions on breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and melanoma (A-375) cell lines. Additionally, qPCR and flow cytometry were used to assess apoptosis gene expression ratios (Bax/Bcl-2) and levels of apoptosis.ResultsCitral (80.98%) was identified as the major component of the EO. Alginate nanoparticles containing C. citratus EO and citral (C. citratus-AlgNPs and citral-AlgNPs) were synthesized with particle sizes of 195 ± 4 nm and 222 ± 9 nm, and zeta potentials of -22 ± 3 mV and − 17 ± 1 mV, respectively. Both samples demonstrated significantly greater efficacy under hypoxic conditions. Citral and C. citratus-AlgNPs had IC50 values of 27 (19–39) µg/mL and 25 (4-147) µg/mL, respectively, against MDA-MB-231 and A-375 cells. Flow cytometry showed increased apoptosis under hypoxic conditions, with the highest rates observed for citral-AlgNPs and C. citratus-AlgNPs (84 ± 5 and 92 ± 5% in MDA-MB-231 and A-375 cells, respectively).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that alginate nanoparticles enhance the anticancer activity of C. citratus-AlgNPs and citral, particularly under hypoxic conditions, highlighting their potential for hypoxia-targeted cancer therapies.

Protective effect of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and oxidative stress in rat

BackgroundWild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a very common plant used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases. In recent years, scientific research proved its biological properties. However, the protective effect of fennel against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BLM-IPF) is not yet study. PurposeFennel essential oil (FEO) composition was characterized and its protective effect was assessed. MethodsGC–MS was employed to determine the chemical composition of fennel essential oil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using TAC, DPPH, RAP and ABTS assays. After inducing fibrosis by bleomycin, several biological assays were used to evaluate the protective effect [proteins content, malondialdehyde MD, thiol group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)]. ResultsFEO was rich in estragole (77.55 %), fenchone (9.23 %), and limonene (9.23 %), and phenolic compounds and showed a significant antioxidant potential. The effects on BLM-IPF were revealed by disruption and alteration of oxidative stress biomarkers in lung, liver and kidney. Treatment of rats with FEO improved abnormal fluctuations in protein and thiol levels, decreased oxidative stress in terms of MDA and also restored the response of the antioxidant system, measured in terms of SOD and CAT, in lung, liver and kidney. The biological activity was recorded in a dose response manner. The potential of FEO in limiting the progress of the histopathologic effects of BLM-IPF was confirmed by microscopic histological observations, with a reduction of the fibrosis score and the inflammatory index in the FEO treated lung tissue. ConclusionThese results, proved that FEO could attenuate BLM-induced PF, thus suggesting that the latter could serve as a potential therapeutic approach for PF.

Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant activity of Fresh and Air-driedCynara Cardunculus L. Grown Wild in Jordan

Essential Oil Composition and Antioxidant activity of Fresh and Air-driedCynara Cardunculus L. Grown Wild in Jordan

Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Potential of Essential Oil from Murraya koenigii (L.) Obtained by Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents.

Aphis craccivora Koch and Planococcus lilacinus Cockerell are phloem feeders and act as vectors for transmitting plant viruses to agricultural and horticultural crops thereby damaging them. The persistent and widespread use of synthetic, wide-spectrum pesticides has resulted in resistance development that is detrimental to the environment, human health, and natural enemies of pests. The present investigation uses various extraction mediums to examine the insecticidal efficacy of essential oils (EOs) isolated from Murraya koenigii (L.) leaves. Increase in yield was observed in the EO extracted using NADES-AHD [0.16% (obtained with hydro-distillation)] to 0.30% [obtained with N-1 (glycerol:lactic acid)]. EO obtained with water was found more effective against A. craccivora (LD50 = 0.89 µL/insect) and followed by N-1 (glycerol:lactic acid), and N-3 (choline chloride:citric acid) (LD50 = 1.29-1.38 µL/insect). Similarly, EO isolated by water and N-4 (choline chloride:oxalic acid) was effective against P. lilacinus (LD50 = 2.63-3.06 µL/insect). Additionally, the EO prepared by water substantially reduced glutathione S-transferase (GST) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in target pests, suggesting that these enzymes may be the EOs' site of action. NADES-AHD has enhanced the EO yield as compared to the conventional method. The EO obtained with water showed promising toxicity against target pests and target site of action. Therefore, based on field and greenhouse bio-efficacy experiments, EOs/biopesticides/botanicals can be proposed for controlling the spread of mealy bugs and aphids.

Study on the coupling enrichment process mechanism of volatile oil of Alpiniae officinarum rhizoma from oil-bearing water

The aim of this study is to study the demulsification of oil-bearing water in Alpiniae officinarum rhizoma by the combination of chemical demulsification and membrane separation. Oil-bearing water of A. officinarum rhizoma was demulsification by two methods of inorganic salt-membrane separation and span-membrane separation, and the influence of process parameters was systematically studied by single factor analysis. Then the chemical demulsification process was optimized by orthogonal design (three factors and three levels). The membrane flux and enrichment rate before and after demulsification were measured. The results showed that the membrane flux and enrichment rate of the inorganic salt-membrane separation and demulsification were 2.03 times and 1.18 times higher than those of the undemulsification, and the span-membrane separation was 1.34 times and 1.18 times of that of undemulsification, respectively. The turbidity, viscosity, pH, and particle size of oil-bearing water before and after demulsification were measured, and the correlation between demulsification process, physicochemical properties, membrane flux, and enrichment rate was analyzed. The results indicate that inorganic salt and span change the membrane flux and enrichment rate by decreasing turbidity and increasing particle size. The chemical composition and relative content of volatile oil were similar before and after demulsitioning by GC-MS. The highest relative content was 1,8-eucalyptine (20.05∼51.42%), followed by α-terpineol (11.13∼12.66%), camphene (2.74∼6.75%), camphor (2.29∼4.74%), etc. The results showed that the composition of volatile oil of A. officinarum rhizoma collected by the two demulsification methods remains unchanged, and the inorganic salt-membrane separation was more suitable for the demulsification application of oil-bearing water of A. officinarum rhizoma.

Comparison of Essential Oils of Schinus molle L. Leaves Growing in Different Regions of Algeria in Terms of Their Chemical Compositions and Various Biological Activities

ABSTRACTThis preliminary study investigated the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils derived from Schinus molle L. leaves obtained from three specific regions in Algeria: Algiers (SMA), Djelfa (SMD), and Mascara (SMM). Gas chromatography (GC) and Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses confirmed the presence of 52 compounds (100.0%) in SMA essential oil, 50 compounds (100.0%) in SMD, and 72 compounds (100.0%) in SMM essential oils. The main components of SMA oil were camphene (31.82%), limonene (14.71%), and p‐cymene (9.25%). In SMD and SMM oils, α‐phellandrene (14.25% and 12.70%), limonene (13.02% and 11.90%), and germacrene D (10.62% and 10.15%) were the major components, respectively. The antioxidant characteristics were evaluated using five methods: β‐carotene‐linoleic acid, DPPH, ABTS+, CUPRAC, and Metal chelating assays. The results revealed a moderate to low anti‐oxidant effect, with SMA essential oils exhibiting the highest activity. A moderate inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, urease, and tyrosinase was observed, indicating anti‐enzymatic activity. Nevertheless, all samples had higher IC50 values for both antioxidant and anti‐enzymatic activities than 200 μg/mL. It was determined that regional differences in the locations where S. molle grows showed both qualitative and quantitative differences in essential oil components. This difference was also detected in the biological activities of the essential oils. The anti‐inflammatory capacities of the three samples were assessed using Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilisation and egg albumin denaturation techniques. The results showed effective anti‐inflammatory activity in all three samples. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using a range of tests, such as anti‐quorum sensing, violacein inhibition, anti‐swimming, and anti‐swarming assays, demonstrating moderate activity. No toxic effects were observed at the tested dosages when assessing cytotoxicity against a healthy cell line (CCD18‐Co). This thorough examination provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and bioactive properties of essential oils derived from S. molle. These findings indicate the possible use of these essential oils in the food, medicinal, and cosmetic industries.

Preparation and Characterization of Poly(lactic acid)-Based Poly(ethylene glycol) and Daphne Essential Oil-Loaded Smart Nanofibers for Thermal Protection.

Phase change material (PCM) stores latent heat energy, and poly(ethylene glycol) (Mw: 4000) (PEG 4000) is also a solid-liquid PCM. PEG and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymers are biodegradable. Essential oils are known as plant extracts with antimicrobial properties. In this study, daphne essential oil (DEO) obtained by the distillation method and PLA/PEG/DEO composite nanofibers were prepared by the electrospinning method with PLA, PEG 4000, and daphne (Laurus nobilis L.) essential oil in certain ratios (100/100/20, 100/120/20, and 100/150/20). DEO showed an antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. Thermal behaviors of the nanofibers were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Morphological features were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), crystal behavior by X-ray diffraction analysis, and molecular structures were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Essential oil composition was determined by GC-MS. The thermal decomposition temperatures of the nanofibers were found between 250 and 276 °C, and the latent heat storage energies of nanofibers were 69.06, 86.76, and 96.39 J g-1 at temperatures 59.0 and 54.37 °C. High PCM added fiber was observed as 182 nm diameter with 3.264 μm diameter spheres. The produced nanofiber matrix has the potential to be used in applications such as medicine, textile, and hot food logistics.

Appraisal of chemical composition and biological activities of thyme essential oil: an insight to in-silico molecular docking studies

The current study aims to ascertain the chemical composition and biological activities of thyme leaves essential oil (TEO), with an emphasis on its in silico molecular docking studies targeting the antibacterial properties of its constituents. TEO was extracted from dried leaves using a standardized procedure, with a yield of 0.75%. The chemical constituents of TEO were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The primary compounds detected included carvacrol, o-acetyl thymol, α-pinene, and spathulenol. Subsequently, the antioxidant activity of the isolated oil was measured, and the results showed that the total phenolic contents (TPC) was 4.69 ± 0.17 GAE mg/100 g, the total flavonoid contents (TFC) was 1.45 ± 0.04 CE mg/100 g, the ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP) ranged from 0.07-0.81, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity was 42.88-86.94%. TEO exhibited notable antibacterial activity against certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The molecular docking studies were then conducted to further investigate the interaction of TEO’s potent metabolites with key bacterial enzymes, identifying spathulenol and caryophyllene as the best-interacting ligands. Hemolytic activity tests of TEO indicated negligible cytotoxic effects. These findings support that TEO holds great potential for the development of functional food and nutra-pharmaceuticals.

Mathematical approach used for the assessment of foliar application of biostimulant and fertilizers to coriander varieties (Coriandrum sativum L.)

The biostimulants and fertilizers applied as foliar spray or directly to soil play a crucial role in enhancing the development and quality of coriander by supplying essential macro- and micro-nutrients. The ecological approach to reducing soil fertilizers prioritizes the utilization of foliar nutrients. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of foliar applying products on the seed yield, essential oil content and composition of coriander cultivars in Central Bulgaria. The field trial was carried out on alluvial-meadow soil type in the region of Plovdiv, Central Bulgaria, in the period 2020–2022. The experiment was conducted using the approach of fractional parcels with four repetitions. Three foliar products were examined in the relevant rates: Energy 20–8–60 – 25 L ha−1; Fulvin 40–22 – 80 L ha−1; Isabion – 30 L ha−1. The treated plants were compared to an untreated control. The tested products were applied in the end of the budding stage to five coriander varieties: Yantar, Moroccan, Mesten Drebnoploden, Thüringen and Marino. Results showed that the application of foliar products, compared to the control, led to an increase in seed yield by 4.2–9.6 % and essential oil content up to 11.8 %. Statistical analysis has demonstrated that the utilization of the Energy 20–8–60 has the most significant impact on the concentration of essential oils, while Isabion has the biggest influence on the quantity of seeds produced. The Isabion biostimulant increased the content of the main compound – β-linalool in the essential oil of Moroccan variety up to 8.9 % and Marino and Mesten Drebnoploden by 3.6 and 5.4 % respectively, compared to the control. The foliar application of Energy 20–8–60 fertilizer led to a decrease of β-linalool percentage in Marino, Moroccan, Mesten Drebnoploden and Thüringen. All studied varieties exhibited the presence of aldehyde 2E-tridecen-1-al under the impact of foliar fertilizers, whereas the untreated plants did not.

Application of Fe2O3 nanoparticles improves the growth, antioxidant power, flavonoid content, and essential oil yield and composition of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., an endemic and endangered medicinal and aromatic plant in Iran, showcases distinct botanical characteristics and therapeutic promise. According to the IUCN grouping criteria, this plant is facing challenges due to overcollection from its natural habitats. To address this issue, there is an increasing inclination towards cultivating this species within agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of applying Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg L-1), as well as bulk Fe2O3 at the same concentrations, on the growth, essential oil production, antioxidant capacity, total phenol, and flavonoid content of D. kotschyi. The foliar application of 100 and/or 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the greatest leaf length and dry weight, while Fe2O3 NPs at the level of 100 mg L-1 led to the highest leaf/stem ratio. Additionally, spraying 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs and all concentrations of bulk Fe2O3 positively impacted chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. Both nano and bulk Fe2O3 supplements stimulated H2O2 production and subsequently enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activity. The use of 50 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the highest flavonoid content and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the highest essential oil content and yield was achieved by the application of 50 and/or 100 mg L-1 Fe2O3 NPs. The addition of low concentration of Fe2O3 NPs (50 mg L-1) resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of geranial, while a higher supply of Fe2O3 NPs (200 mg L-1) significantly decreased the percentage of neral in the essential oil. Overall, the application of Fe2O3 NPs demonstrated significant potential for increased biomass, enhanced yield, essential oil production, and phytochemical attributes. The findings highlight the versatility of Fe2O3 NPs at optimal concentrations, acting as both a nano-fertilizer and a nano-inducer, promoting the production and accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites in plants.

Seaweed extract and fulvic acid application affect the biomass performance, the essential oil yield and composition of Sicilian oregano grown in an organic agricultural system

Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum is one of the taxa used as ‘oregano’ and is medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) utilized worldwide in various sectors. Nowadays, agricultural systems are moving towards sustainable, organic, and environmentally friendly agricultural production and biostimulants have been used in recent years as a potential strategy. The objective of this research was to investigate the influence of seaweed extract based on Aschophyllum nodosum (AN) and fulvic acid (FA), applied with two different doses, on morphological parameters, fresh and dry yield, essential oil (EO) traits, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and rosmarinic acid content (RAC) of organic oregano. Two-year experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with one main factor (foliar biostimulant) and 3 replicates. In AN- and FA-treated plants, increases in fresh biomass between 0.3 and 8.4 t ha−1 and in dry biomass between 0.5 and 3.0 t ha−1 were observed. The application of the lowest doses of fulvic acid (FA4) produced the highest EO contents (3.49 % and 3.46 %) and EO yields (73.3 and 97.4 kg ha−1) in both years. The application of the lowest doses of FA produced an increase (on average 4 %) in thymol content. Biostimulant application generated contrasting response, and, in some cases, a reduction in some chemical parameters compared with control plants. The findings of this study contribute to add novelty in cultivation of oregano. The application of low doses of AN and FA allows to increase yields and improve some qualities of the secondary metabolites from organic oregano.

Influence of seasonal variation on the chromatographic profile and physicochemical properties of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) essential oil

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is important in the Brazilian economy and its essential oil is used in cooking, industry and perfumery, and has antimicrobial properties. The chemical composition of essential oils can be altered by the action of various factors, whether internal or external to the plant, such as genetics, temperature, water availability and seasonality. The aim of this research was to assess whether seasonality interferes with the chromatographic profile and physicochemical characteristics of basil essential oil. The study was carried out by investigating the technical reports of the Haje Insumos company on the chemical composition using gas chromatography, physical-chemical analysis (density, refractive index and humidity) and organoleptic analysis (appearance, color and odor). Due to the presence of the linalool component in greater quantity, the oil analyzed is characterized as being of the linalool chemotype. The product showed no alterations to its organoleptic characteristics and all the results were in accordance with its specification. In addition, one of the batches had a higher moisture content, which may be related to the environmental conditions at the time of year, which requires attention as water can trigger a hydrolysis reaction in fat-soluble molecules. It is understood that seasonality may be related to changes in the essential oil, and it was possible to contribute to the recognition of this plant's product.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of essential oils of some cultivated plants in Egypt

Chemical composition, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of essential oils of some cultivated plants in Egypt