Essential Oil Content Research Articles

The Formulation and Characterization of Antimicrobial Packaging from Chitosan and Curry Leaf (Murraya Koenigii) Essential Oil for Vegetables Packaging

This study formulated chitosan-based antimicrobial films incorporating curry leaf (Murraya koenigii) essential oil using the film casting method. The films were characterized with 0%, 1%, and 2% concentrations of essential oil, and evaluated through physical, mechanical, and biological tests. Physical and mechanical tests included tensile testing, film thickness, pH, and water solubility. The film thickness ranged from 0.04 mm to 0.08 mm, and pH values ranged from 3.84 to 4.93. Water solubility was 22.7%, 20.56%, and 40.17% for films with 0%, 1%, and 2% essential oil, respectively. Tensile strength was assessed alongside antimicrobial properties using the zone of inhibition method against E. coli and Bacillus cereus. The films showed significant inhibition zones for the gram-negative E. coli and minimal inhibition for the gram-positive B. cereus. Shelf-life tests on dwarf pak choi (Brassica rapa chinensis) and baby kailan (Brassica oleracea L.) demonstrated an extended shelf-life of up to 14 days using common storage methods such as on-top placement and wrapping. This study concludes that chitosan-based films infused with curry leaf essential oil exhibit promising antimicrobial properties, making them a viable food packaging material with considerable strength, elongation, and flexibility, effectively inhibiting foodborne pathogens.

Analysis of the essential oils in leaves and rhizomes with roots of angelica Archangelica growing in Ukraine

Essential oils, comprised of volatile compounds, have a wide range of biological effects, making them valuable in medicine, industry, and agriculture. They exhibit properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, and smooth muscle relaxation. In this aspect, plants belonging to the genus Angelica show promise. One of these essential oil plants is Angelica archangelica. There is insufficient information in the literature on the essential oils of the leaves and rhizomes with roots of Angelica archangelica. The aim. The aim of our study was to identify and determine the quantitative content of essential oils by GC/MS method in Angelica archangelica leaves and rhizomes with roots grown in Ukraine. Materials and methods. The determination of the essential oils composition of Angelica archangelica was conducted using Agilent Technologies 6890 chromatograph with mass spectrometric detector 5973 (Agilent Technologies, USA). Results. The leaves of Angelica archangelica were found to contain twenty-three components in their essential oil, while the rhizomes and roots of this plant contained fifteen components. Eleven components were common to both parts of the plant, namely cis-Pinane, α-Farnesene, α-Curcumene, α-Caryophyllene, Copaen, β-Bisabolene, δ-Amorphene, α-Muurolene, trans-Chrysanthemal, β-Guaiene, α-Elemene. Twelve components such as α-Pinene, β-Myrcene, 3-p-Menthene, Isoborneol, Anisole, Bornyl acetate, (Z)-β-Elemene, Caryophyllene, (-)-Spathulenol, α-Bergamotene, γ-Muurolene, α-Bisabolol were present only in leaves, and four components namely p-Isopropenylacetophenone, β-Cubebene, α-Zingiberene, Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone were present only in rhizomes with roots. Conclusions. The component composition of the essential oil in the leaves and the rhizomes with roots of Angelica archangelica growing in Ukraine was investigated using the GS/MC method. We have defined for the first time the chemical composition of the essential oils of the leaves of Angelica archangelica, 23 components of essential oil were identified. In the rhizomes with roots, 15 components of essential oils were identified. The following pharmacologically important components, cis-Pinane and α-Farnesene, were found in both samples of the essential oil of Angelica archangelica in significant quantities. These results have been cross-analyzed and are particularly important for planning and defining the process of cultivation and use of this species plant in traditional and official medicine

Determination of the leaf and flower volatile components of Thymus jankae Celak

Nowadays, medicinal and aromatic plants are widely used both among the public and in various sectors, so researching the essential oil contents of medicinal and aromatic plants is of great scientific and economic importance. It was aimed to determine the volatile components of Thymus jankae (Syn: Thymus praecox subsp. skorpilii), which has medicinal and aromatic value and is naturally distributed in Bursa province (Türkiye) and used as a spice and tea plant in the region. The volatile components of leaf and flower of Thymus jankae were detected by using the solid phase microextraction technique (SPME) with the help of GC-MS. 42 volatile components were determined. Of them, thymol (17.65%), p-cymene (15.34%), carvacrol (13.27%) and γ-terpinene (10.73%) were found to be the main components. This study is important in terms of ensuring the conscious use of plants consumed as natural herbal tea and spices in the region and revealing the economic values of such plants.

Penentuan Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) minyak atsiri Acorus calamus terhadap Aspergillus flavus

Balinese lontar manuscripts are documentation of past Balinese culture. The main component of palm leaves is cellulose. Efforts to prevent damage to lontar manuscripts from cellulose-degrading fungi such as Aspergillus flavus are needed to maintain Balinese local wisdom. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Minimum Inhibitory Concentratiton (MIC) value of jangu leaf essential oil (Acorus calamus) in inhibiting the growth of A. flavus in vitro. The results obtained were the optimum concentration of A. calamus essential oil at 5% (v/v), with an average inhibition zone diameter of 11.72 mm (strong category). Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of jangu leaf essential oil in inhibiting A. flavus is 2% v/v with an average inhibition zone diameter of 7.08 mm. This research opens new insights in the conservation of Balinese ancient manuscripts from damage caused by cellulose-degrading fungi, by utilizing the essential oil of local Balinese plants, namely jangu leaf (A. calamus).

Determination of Phenolic, Flavonoid Content and Antioxidant Activity of Oil Rose Products

Rose and rose products are used as raw materials in many sectors including cosmetics, food and medicine. The Rosa damascena Mill. rose genotype, which is intensively cultivated in the Isparta region of Türkiye, is an important export product. The flower of the plant is main source of raw materials for rose oil, herbal teas and cosmetic products due to its high essential oil and polyphenols contents. In this study, Rosa damascena, Rosa centifolia, Rosa alba L., Rosa alba ‘Semiplena’ genotypes were grown in Yalova, which is an alternative region in terms of agro-climatic conditions from Isparta and its surroundings where rose oil cultivation is carried out in Türkiye. Within the scope of the study, total phenolic matter, total antioxidant activity (DPPH and CUPRAC) and total flavonoid contents of flowers (whole flowers), rose water and wastewater of the genotypes were determined. It is important to identify alternative rose genotypes to R. damascena in Türkiye and their potential for cultivation under different climatic conditions. The highest phenolic content (4115 mg gallic acid equivalent GAE 100 g-1) and DPPH antioxidant activity (4893 mg trolox equivalent TE 100 g-1) values were obtained in R. damascena genotype at the first harvest period. The highest CUPRAC antioxidant activity (34237 mg TE 100 g-1) values were obtained in R. centifolia genotype at the first harvest period. In the second harvest period, the highest phenolic content, DPPH antioxidant activity and CUPRAC antioxidant activity values were determined in R. centifolia genotype. Antioxidant activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents of dried rose flowers were higher than in rose water and wastewater. Rose petals were found to have the potential to be used as an important antioxidant source, while total phenolic matter and antioxidant activity values were found to be low in rose water and wastewater. The harvest period was found to be major factor in oil rose flowers, which can be an important polyphenol source.

Phytochemical analysis and biological evaluation of essential oils and extracts from Heracleum pastinacifolium subsp. incanum (Boiss. & A.Huet) P.H.Davis, an endemic plant from Turkey

Essential oil content of and phenolic compounds flower-fruit, root, and aerial parts of Heracleum pastinacifolium subsp. incanum were analysed by GC/MS and LC/MS methods, respectively. Antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, and antioxidant activities of flower-fruit, root, aerial parts methanol extracts were evaluated. Apiole (35.0%), myristicine (72.2%), and myristicine (15.1%) were found as major compounds of fruit-flower mixture, root, aerial part essential oils, respectively. Hesperidin was found the highest amount in aerial part and flower-fruit extracts with 8904.2621 ng/mL and 11558.3634 ng/mL values, respectively. Fruit-flower extract showed the highest activity against α-glucosidase (24%). Root extract demonstrating the highest activity (18%) against AChE enzyme. Flowers-fruits mixture methanol extract had a higher % inhibition value on ABTS·+ and DPPH•. Flowers-fruits mixture methanol extract was rich in total phenol, total tannin, and protein content. All the extracts were determined as genetoxically safe according to the results of Ames/Salmonella, Escherichia coli WP2 and Allium cepa assays.

Variation in Chongqing finger citron components and antioxidant activity from essential oils in several organs

The finger citron (Citrus medica L.var. sarcodactylis Swingle) is a both medicinal and edible species specified by the China Ministry of Health, It is also a regional medicinal plant grown in Chinaʼs Chongqing Municipality. We explored the utilization value of flower, leaf, and branch resources of non-medicinal sections of finger citron of Chongqing origin and identified variations in its yield, content, and antioxidant activity in essential oils in several organs. From several finger citron organs, essential oils were extracted using ultrasonic-assisted steam distillation, and their essential components were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). To assess antioxidant properties of various finger citron organs, DPPH free radical scavenging rate, ABTS free radical scavenging rate, and total reducing power of essential oils were determined. A total of 71 chemical components were discovered, and a cluster heat map revealed that d-limonene, Citral, (Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal, γ-Terpinene, OCymene, and Ocimene were the most significant components and that their composition and concentration in essential oils of different organs varied substantially, with the average total amount in the four major organs in descending order: branches (79.34 %), leaves (73.40 %), flowers (68.85 %), and dried fruits (55.69 %). Finger citron's non-medicinal sections and organs' essential oils exhibited some level of antioxidant activity. The maximal clearance rate of the final flower group was 19.26 % when the essential oil concentration of each group was 4.0 mg·mL−1 for the assessment of DPPH free radical scavenging activity. DPPH free radical clearance rates of the bud group, initial flower group, full flower group, final flower group, branch group, and young leaf group were significantly different from the medicinal parts dried fruits group (P < 0.05), whereas there was no significant difference in the old leaf group (P > 0.05). When the essential oil concentration of each group was 0.10 mg·mL−1 for the ABTS radical scavenging ability measurement, the bud group had the highest scavenging rate of 32.24 %, and significant differences in the ABTS radical scavenging rates of the bud group, primary flower group, full flower group, final flower group, and branch group were observed when compared to the dried fruits group (P < 0.05). Between the young leaf and old leaf groups, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05). When the essential oil concentration was 3.0 mg·mL−1 for the measurement of overall reduction capacity, the old leaf group's highest absorbance value was 0.310. and the total reduction capacity of the bud group, first flower group, complete flower group, last flower group, branch group, young leaf group, and old leaf group substantially differed from the dried fruits (P < 0.05). This study provides a reference for the formation of “green” concurrent consumption and development of medicinal and non-medicinal elements of Chinese medicinal materials as well as theoretical support for the diverse utilization of finger citron resources.

Silver nanoparticles: Elicitor of anticancer metabolite biosynthesis and growth-metabolites parameters in Tanacetum parthenium L.

Nanoparticles in appropriate dose can used as an eco-friendly abiotic elicitor to induce specific and novel secondary metabolites with high performance. The present study was conducted to investigate the silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) at 0, 200, 400, and 600 ppm on morpho-physiological, yield, and phytochemical parameters of feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.). The essential oil was obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by using GC-FID and GC/MS. The HPLC was used to quantifying the parthenolide content. The results showed that the effect of Ag-NPs application on studied traits were in dose depended manner. The Ag-NPs treatment at 200 ppm increased the fresh weight, biological yield, dry weight, and flower yield up to 29.12 %, 31.61 %, 28.71 %, and 44.93 % respectively. However, the growth of treated plants with higher concentrations of Ag-NPs (400 and 600 ppm) was decreased compared with untreated plants. All Ag-NPs treatments caused a significant increment of the chlorophyll index, parthenolide content (as a valuable anticancer compound) and essential oil content. The highest content of chlorophyll index (49.90), parthenolide content (0.96 mg g−1 DW) and essential oil content (0.84 %) was measured in spayed plants with 600 ppm Ag-NPs. Also, the Ag-NPs application considerably affected the essential oil quality. With increasing the Ag-NPs concentration the oxygenated monoterpenes represented by camphor and trans-chrysanthenyl acetate were increased so that the highest content of camphor (45.13 %) and trans-chrysanthenyl acetate (32.04 %) was obtained at 600 ppm. Generally, it can be concluded that Ag-NPs could act as an elicitor to induce the more production of favorable secondary metabolites.

Effect of Needle Age and Location on the Volatile Composition of Essential Oils from Juniperus communis L.: A Chemometric Study

AbstractProfiles of the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of essential oils (EOs) extracted from young and old Juniperus communis L. needles were generated via gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) and subsequently processed using multivariate statistical methods. These were then used to differentiate the EOs according to needle age and geographical origin. From a total 49 of VOCs identified, statistically significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between young‐ and old‐needle EOs were found for 21 VOCs. Most of the EOs from the young needles showed higher (p&lt;0.05) contents of α‐ and β‐pinene and sesquiterpenes (β‐ and γ‐elemene, germacrene D and B, α‐muurolene, and δ‐cadinene) and their oxygenated derivatives (α‐ and τ‐cadinol), while most of the monoterpenes (α‐thujene, sabinene, terpinolene, β‐myrcene, β‐phellandrene, and p‐cymene) were present in higher quantities (p&lt;0.05) in the EOs from the old needles. The volatiles germacrene D, α‐ and β‐pinene, α‐cadinol, and sabinene were identified via stepwise and canonical discriminant analysis as the most valuable for EO discrimination according to needle age and geographical origin. Recognition and prediction ability tests of the EOs achieved 100 % accuracy in EO classification according to the above mentioned criterion.

ЛАВАНДА КОЛОСОВАЯ ПЕРСПЕКТИВНОЕ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЕ РАСТЕНИЕ

The plants containing essential oils are widely used in many industries and medicine. In this regard, it is necessary to conduct research on the introduction of essential oil crops with high productivity and yield to create a strong raw material base. The purpose of the study was to assess the morphological characteristics, seed productivity and quantitative content of essential oil in spike lavender under cultural conditions. The studies were carried out during the period of mass flowering of plants. It has been established that spiked lavender is winter-hardy and drought-resistant under cultural conditions, forms a bush 60 cm high, inflorescence yield is 1.22-3.1 kg/m2, actual seed productivity is 110-1500%, potential seed productivity is 216-2890. Seed productivity coefficient is 0.5-0.53%, laboratory seed germination reaches 90%, seed germination energy is 0.7%. The largest amount of essential oil in lavender was found in the mass flowering phase. During the budding period, the oil content increases, and towards the end of flowering and the beginning of seed ripening, the essential oil content decreases.

PHENOTYPIC DIVERSITY IN Calendula officinalis L. REGARDING PLANT GROWTH, PHOTOSYNTHETIC TRAITS, FLOWER YIELD, AND OIL CONTENT

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is an annual herb-shrub distributed worldwide. It possesses multiple therapeutic applications as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cosmetic agent. Despite its importance, its physiological traits, including photosynthetic parameters, plant growth kinetics, and oil content variation among phenotypes, remain unknown. Five contrasting phenotypes (S1 to S5), derived from a single variety, were characterized. Physiological variables evaluated included plant growth kinetics, growth rate indexes, A-Ci response curves, flower and oil yield, and oil chemical composition across eight harvesting dates. Phenotype S1 yielded the highest biomass because of its extended acceleration and deceleration growth stages during a longer period. Phenotype S1 also produced higher yields of harvested flowers and essential oil. Phenotype S2 also showed a high content of essential oils. This phenotypic diversity found in a single variety of pot marigold could be used for breeding this crop; for example, the crossing of S1 x S2 may produce F1 progenies with improved growth rates, flower yields, photosynthetic rates, and essential oil yield. Besides, phenotype S1 could be used directly for commercial planting.

Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor.

Oral malodor still constitutes a major challenge worldwide. A strong effort is invested in eliminating volatile sulfur compound-producing oral bacteria through organic natural products such as essential oils. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a known volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria that inspires oral malodor. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of lavender essential oil on the bacterium's ability to produce volatile sulfide compounds, the principal components of oral malodor. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lavender essential oil on Fusobacterium nucleatum was determined in a previous trial. Fusobacterium nucleatum was incubated anaerobically in the presence of sub-MIC, MIC, and above MIC concentrations of lavender essential oil, as well as saline and chlorhexidine as negative and positive controls, respectively. Following incubation, volatile sulfur compound levels were measured using GC (Oralchroma), and bacterial cell membrane damage was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil yielded five main components, with camphor being the most abundant, accounting for nearly one-third of the total lavender essential oil volume. The MIC (4 µL/mL) of lavender essential oil reduced volatile sulfur compound secretion at a statistically significant level compared to the control (saline). Furthermore, the level of volatile sulfur compound production attributed to 1 MIC of lavender essential oil was in the range of the positive control chlorhexidine with no significant difference. When examining bacterial membrane damage, 2 MIC of lavender essential oil (i.e., 8 µL/mL) demonstrated the same, showing antibacterial membrane damage values comparative to chlorhexidine. Since lavender essential oil was found to be highly effective in hindering volatile sulfur compound production by Fusobacterium nucleatum through the induction of bacterial cell membrane damage, the results suggest that lavender essential oil may be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-malodor agents.

Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of the essential oils from leaves and rind of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa ver. Bel of family Rutaceae of Pakistan

In this study ‘anthelmintic activity of essential oils (EOs), of leaves and rind of Aegle marmelos (Linn.) Correa ver. Bel was evaluated. ‘Adult motility assay’ was employed using Haemoncus contortus adult worms. EO was applied at three levels viz. 10, 35 and 50µL/10 ml in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) plus 10µL of tween 20 (as carrier/emulsifier). Levamisole was used as a positive control at 0.55 mg/ml concentration. Each concentration of essential oils obtained from different plant parts exhibited varied anthelmintic activity. The best dose dependant effect on adult mortality was by EOs from Aegel rind (R2 values 0.981) followed by EOs from leaves (R2 values 0.86.). LC50 were 34.92 and 26.65 for rind and leaves EOs respectively. Change in the color of the dead worms was an indicator parameter of the fact that the EOs might have damaged the skin of the worms or after transcutaneous penetration into the body has disrupted the circulatory system by causing constriction of blood vessels. It is concluded that EOs extracted from A. marmelos have anthelmintic properties.

Improvement of Physiological Features and Essential Oil Content of Thymus vulgaris after Soil Amendment with Chitosan Nanoparticles under Chromium Toxicity

An excessive amount of chromium in soil has detrimental effects on plant processes, and impairs food security, and public health. The application of nanoparticles may be a suitable solution and an innovative strategy by which to reduce plant abiotic stresses and pollution in the agricultural ecosystems. This research focuses on the effects of chitosan nanoparticles (CS-NPs) on thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) plants grown in Cr-contaminated soil. The effects of CS-NPs as a soil amendment at four concentrations were investigated on plant nutrient uptake, photosynthesis parameters, antioxidant system, and essential oil (EO) content under soil Cr stress. The results show that chromium stress reduced fresh and dry weight of shoots, the uptake of macro-, and micro-elements, chlorophyll and carotenoids. The application of CS-NPs improved the antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced malondialdehyde, and increased the content of nutrients, EOs, photosynthetic pigments, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. The intermediate dose of chitosan nanoparticles (0.1% w/v) best valorized the content and yield of thyme EOs under chromium stress. These results are indicative that the application of CS-NPs can represent a supportive approach for plant production in soils contaminated with heavy metals.

Biochemistry of microwave controlled Heracleum sosnowskyi (Manden.) roots with an ecotoxicological aspect

Sosnowski hogweed is an invasive weed in eastern-middle Europe that is dangerous to human health and the environment. The efficacy of its control using chemical and mechanical methods is limited. Electromagnetic radiation (microwaves) could be an environmentally friendly alternative for controlling this species. This study aims to: (1) Determine the effect of varying microwave treatment (MWT) durations on the control of S. hogweed using a device emitting microwaves at 2.45 GHz, 32.8 kW/m2; (2) Evaluate the impact of MWT on soil by an ecotoxicological bioassays; (3) Analyze biochemical changes occurring in the roots during the process. A field study was performed to assess the efficacy of S. hogweed control using MWT in times from 2.5 to 15 min. The MWT-treated soil was collected immediately after treatment (AT) and tested using bioassays (Phytotoxkit, Ostracodtoxkit, and Microtox). Fourteen days AT, the MWT hogweed roots were dug out, air-dried, and analyzed for the content and composition of essential oil, sugars, and fatty acids. According to the ecotoxicological biotests, the MWT soils were classified as non-toxic or low-toxic. The regeneration of hogweed was observed only in non-treated plants (control). Hogweed MWT for 2.5–15 min did not regenerate up to 14 days AT. The average weight of roots in hogweed MWT for 15.0 min was ca. two times smaller than the control plants. Those roots contained significantly higher amounts of sugars and saturated fatty acids than the control. We did not find a correlation between S. hogweed root essential oil content and composition and MWT time. The main compounds of essential oil were p‑cymene and myristicin. No highly photosensitizing compounds were identified in the tested root oil. We conclude that MWT of S. hogweed could be an environmentally safe and prospective control method, but more studies are needed.

Response of mint varieties from Central Europe (Mentha spp.) to Meloidogyne infestation

Mentha is a cosmopolitan genus of medicinal and aromatic plants, which is characterised by the essential oils in its leaves and its therapeutic and aromatic qualities. Mint species are usually cultivated as a perennial crop and therefore susceptible for various pests and diseases. Root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne are one of the pathogens that can reproduce on mint and cause plant growth reduction. To better understand the pathogenicity of Meloidogyne on mint we studied whether an increasing number of Meloidogyne affects plant growth and essential oil content in the leaves. For our greenhouse experiments, we selected peppermint (Mentha x piperita ˈMultimenthaˈ) as the major mint variety cultivated in Central Europe and the root-knot nematode M. hapla that can pose a major threat in temporal regions. In addition, we evaluated the pathogenicity and reproduction of M. chitwoodi, M. fallax and M. incognita on peppermint and other commonly grown mint varieties in Central Europe, i.e. Mentha x piperita ˈFränkische Blaueˈ, apple mint (M. rotundifolia) and spearmint (M. spicata). None of the studied root-knot nematode species had a negative impact on plant growth of peppermint ˈMultimenthaˈ. However, high densities of M. hapla caused a reduction in the essential oil content. In conclusion, peppermint ˈMultimenthaˈ turned out to be a good host for M. hapla, but a non-host for M. chitwoodi, M. fallax and M. incognita. Plant growth of all four mint varieties was not affected by M. hapla infestation. In addition, peppermint ˈMultimenthaˈ and spearmint were more susceptible to M. hapla than apple mint and peppermint ˈFränkische Blaueˈ.

Changes in growth, essential oil composition and biochemical traits of peppermint in response to coapplication of zinc and methyl jasmonate in soilless culture

Zinc (Zn), a micronutrient, is a source of energy for essential oil (EO) biosynthesis. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant growth regulator that has favorable effects on EO quality and quantity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction effect of Zn and MeJA on the phytochemical traits and EO compositions of peppermint cultivated under soilless conditions. Zn omission and the highest Zn concentration (0.1 mgL−1), which are stress conditions for plants, increased phytochemical traits as well as EO content, and 1 mM MeJA was more suitable for increasing these parameters. The major classes of peppermint EO components were oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and monoterpene hydrocarbons. The major constituents included menthol, menthone, menthofuran, and 1,8-cineole. Elicitation of peppermint with MeJA at different Zn levels modified the EO composition. The highest menthol content (50.1%) was observed in the 1 mM MeJA and 0.025 mgL−1 Zn treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicated that Zn and MeJA could be appropriate compounds for changing phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and EO composition.

Navel orange peel essential oil inhibits the growth and progression of triple negative breast cancer

BackgroundTriple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a particular type of breast cancer with the highest mortality rate. Essential oils are concerned more and more as potential anti-cancer drugs.MethodsTNBC cells were treated with different concentrations of navel orange peel essential oil (NOPEO), and then a variety of experiments were performed to investigate the changes in the growth and progression of TNBC cells. MTT assay was performed to detect the proliferation of TNBC cells. The changes of cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by FACS. In order to explored the migration of TNBC cells, scratch wound assay was carried out. Western blotting and qPCR were used to examine the expression of proteins and mRNA of related genes. Furthermore, RNA-seq was used to analyze the altered genes and explored the possible signal pathway.ResultsNOPEO demonstrated dose- and time-dependent suppression of TNBC cell growth. TNBC cells showed an increased percentage of G2/M-phase cells and the protein levels of CyclinB1 and CyclinD1 were decreased after NOPEO treatment. The apoptotic cells were increased in the NOPEO treated TNBC cells. The migration mobility was significantly inhibited by NOPEO. In total, 1376 genes were found to be up-regulated and 1335 genes were down-regulated after NOPEO treatment. According to KEGG and GO pathways, the differentially expressed genes were related to MAPK, Jak/stat and FoxQ signaling pathways.ConclusionThis investigation explored the bio-activity and molecular mechanisms of NOPEO against TNBC cells. These results indicated that NOPEO could suppress TNBC growth and migration perhaps via the MAPK and Jak/stat signaling pathways, which may provide theoretical reference for anticancer drug development. NOPEO may be a potential natural product for the chemotherapeutic of TNBC.

Adaptation strategies for cumin in Sabzevar, Iran: planting date and irrigation management

ABSTRACT The current study aimed to investigate the effect of planting date and irrigation on some characteristics of cumin cultivated in Iran. The experimental characteristics included three planting dates and five irrigation regimes. Irrigation at flowering + seed filling stage and full irrigation had the highest essential oil content (3.6%) and plant height (16.71 cm), respectively. On all planting dates, irrigation enhanced the total chlorophyll and carotenoids content, relative water content, umbel number plant−1, seed number umbel−1, 1,000-seed weight, and seed yield but reduced the proline content and water-use efficiency (WUE). The highest chlorophyll content (1.54 mg g−1 fresh weight (FW)), carotenoids content (0.35 mg g−1 FW), umbel number plant−1 (18.03), seed number umbel−1 (21.16), 1,000-seed weight (4.12 g), seed yield (1002.7 kg ha−1), and essential oil yield (22.13 kg ha−1) were obtained on 19 January and irrigation at the flowering + seed filling stages. The greatest amount of WUE (0.53 kg m−3) was measured on 9 January under no irrigation condition. Therefore, to produce cumin under similar climatic conditions, early planting of cumin in early January, along with two irrigations at the flowering and seed filling stages, is recommended.

Transcriptome analysis unravels differential genes involved in essential oil content in callus and tissue culture seedlings of Lavandula angustifolia

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil is of high medicinal and economic importance. The preliminary results of this study found that lavender tissue culture seedlings contained 2.1% essential oil, which was 21 times that of callus tissue. However, the mechanisms involved in its synthesis are unclear. This study used transcriptome sequencing of L. angustifolia callus and tissue culture seedlings to compare changes in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolic pathways. Transcriptome analysis revealed 2394 DEGs in callus and tissue culture seedlings. Several DEGs were enriched in plant hormone signal transduction, as well as the biosynthesis of terpenoids and other secondary metabolites. In the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway, 93 genes were differentially expressed, and four receptors protein genes (BRI1) of brassinosteroid (BR) hormone were significantly differentially expressed. This study provides deeper insights into regulatory genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis and BR signal transduction in L. angustifolia, contributing to the genetic improvement of L. angustifolia.