Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an economically significant medicinal and aromatic species valued for its diverse phytochemical profile and essential oil (EO) composition. Despite its economic importance, there is a critical need to characterize genetic resources to identify stable, high-yielding genotypes adapted to specific environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical diversity and industrial potential of 90 basil genotypes under Mediterranean climatic conditions, focusing on identifying superior chemotypes for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. A field experiment was conducted using an augmented randomized complete block design at the Çukurova University Research and Application Area during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. Phytochemical screening included the determination of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacities via DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)] radical scavenging assays. The chemical composition of the EOs was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Significant biochemical variation was observed among the 90 genotypes. Genotypes MT08, MT86, MT38, and MT67 exhibited the highest bioactive potential, characterized by superior TPC and antioxidant activities. EO yields were notably higher in genotypes MT63 and MT74. Chemical profiling revealed five distinct chemotypes within the population: linalool, methyl chavicol, citral, methyl cinnamate, and methyl eugenol. Pearson correlation, PCA, and cluster analyses supported that these genotypes represent a broad phytochemical basis for selection and breeding. This study provides a detailed characterization of basil germplasm, identifying specific genotypes with high industrial value. The classification of five major chemotypes offers a strategic foundation for targeted breeding programs aimed at developing high-quality cultivars. These findings contribute to the standardization of raw materials for the global pharmaceutical and fragrance industries.

Estragole (ES) is a phenylpropene naturally occurring in various herbs and spices, such as fennel and basil. Humans are exposed to ES via the diet or herbal medicinal products. Following its gastrointestinal resorption, hepatic bioactivation of ES by Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) and sulfotransferases (SULTs) can lead to DNA adduct formation and liver cancer in rodents. Up to now, no data is available on ES-dependent DNA adducts in human tissue, which would however be important for human risk assessment. Our work thus analyzed whether ES-derived DNA adducts are present in human liver samples. Furthermore, DNA adduct formation after repetitive ES exposure and upon incubation with an ES-containing bitter fennel infusion was studied in human liver cells. Using a sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method, we detected E3'-N2-dG adducts in a multitude of human liver samples. The adduct levels correlated positively with SULT1A1, but not CYP1A2 protein expression. Noteworthy, the E3'-N6-dA adduct was not found in the analyzed human liver tissue. Further experiments revealed that E3'-N2-dG adducts accumulate in metabolically competent human liver cells after repetitive short-term exposure to ES, whereas the E3'-N6-dA adduct was not detected at all. Finally, we provided evidence that ES from a bitter fennel tea preparation induces E3'-N2-dG adducts in human liver cells, however at lower levels than expected. Altogether, this study demonstrated the occurrence of ES-derived DNA adducts in human liver tissue at levels comparable to the structurally related methyleugenol. Notably, the found DNA adduct levels are well below those reported to cause mutagenicity and clastogenicity in human cells and rodent in vivo models.

Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for treating problems related to the digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. The major constituents found in fennel seed extracts are trans-anethole (68.6%-75.0%), fenchone (8.40%-14.7%), and methyl chavicol (5.09%-9.10%). However, before introducing this plant into the human environment, it is essential to understand its toxicological properties. In this study, we investigated the acute and sub-acute toxicity of methanolic extracts of F. vulgare. A phytochemical screening was performed to identify the major chemical constituents of the plant. For the acute toxicity study, female Wistar rats received a single dose of the methanolic extract of F. vulgare at doses of 1000, 2000, 3000, and 5000 mg/kg for 14 days. In the sub-acute toxicity study, the methanolic extract of F. vulgare was administered orally daily at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg for 28 days. Hematological, biochemical, and histological changes were evaluated. Phytochemical tests were also performed. The phytochemical analysis showed that the methanolic extract of F. vulgare is rich in flavonoids, catechic, gallic tannins, and total polyphenols. Toxicological tests showed no animal deaths, suggesting that the LD50 was greater than 5000 mg/kg. In the sub-acute oral toxicity study, no significant differences were observed in body weight, food consumption, or water intake. Additionally, there were no significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters or differences in the macroscopic and microscopic examination of organs. Therefore, this study concludes that the methanolic extract of F. vulgare, at the doses tested, is considered non-toxic under the conditions evaluated.

Elucidation of molecular interactions between selected phenylpropanoids and myofibrillar protein: Conformational remodeling and machine learning analysis.

The volatile oil composition and ethanolic extracts of Ocimum basilicum L. grown in Saudi Arabia were examined, with emphasis on their antioxidant and antifungal properties. GC–MS analysis identified 111 volatile components in fresh basil and 125 in dried basil, representing 98% and 96% of the total essential oil content. Methyl chavicol was the major volatile constituent in the whole plant, including leaves, flowers, and stems, showing higher percentages in fresh samples than in dried ones. Analysis of phenolic compounds in ethanolic extracts showed that rutin was the predominant compound in fresh whole plants. Rosmarinic acid was the main phenolic constituent in fresh flowers, leaves, and stems. In contrast, luteolin was the most abundant phenolic compound in extracts from the entire dried plant. Catechin was the dominant compound in dried flowers, while quercetin prevailed in dried leaves and stems. The ethanolic extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than the essential oils, particularly in scavenging DPPH radicals. In addition, notable antifungal activity was recorded against Penicillium aurantiogriseum. Molecular docking analysis confirmed the experimental results, revealing strong interactions between flavonoids and fungal enzymes related to metabolic pathways and reactive oxygen species production. Quercetin and rutin demonstrated the highest binding affinities. These findings emphasize the potential use of Ocimum basilicum L. as a natural antioxidant, antifungal agent, and flavoring source.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) are essential oil-bearing medicinal plants that could be used for food spice, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) promote crop growth and yield through different mechanisms. A two-year study was conducted to investigate the effects of fertilizer treatments on growth characteristics, essential oil (EO) yield and compositions of basil in intercropping with fenugreek. A factorial experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates in 2021 and 2022 in West Azarbaijan, Iran. The first factor was cropping pattern including sole cropping of basil and fenugreek, strip intercropping of basil (B)-fenugreek (F) with replacement method in the ratios of 2B:2 F, 4B:2 F, 5B:3 F and an additive intercropping of 100% basil + 50% fenugreek (100B:50 F). The second factor was fertilizer at three levels including application of local recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDF), 50% RDF + biofertilizer of AMF + PGPR (50% RDF + Bio) and biofertilizer of AMF + PGPR (Bio). The greatest basil height was observed in 2B:2 F cropping pattern and 50% RDF + Bio treatment (50.39 cm). The greatest yield of dry herbage was observed in 5B:3B cropping pattern with RDF and 50% RDF + Bio treatments. The highest yields of EO were observed in sole basil (0.85 g m− 2) and 5B:3 F intercropping (0.72 g m− 2), in 50% RDF + Bio treatment. Methyl chavicol, methyl eugenol, β-caryophyllene and 1,8-cineole, were the main chemical constitutes of EO. The contents of major components of EO were affected differently by cropping pattern and fertilizer. The greatest content of methyl chavicol (53.7%), was observed in 2B:2 F and Bio fertilizer treatment. Also, the highest content of methyl eugenol was obtained in 4B:2 F and 50% RDF + Bio fertilizer treatment. The results of EO compositions also were approved by principal component analysis (PCA). At all treatments, the land equivalent ratios (LERT) were more than 1.0 that indicates the advantage of intercropping patterns compared with sole crops. The highest LERT (1.99) was obtained in 2B:2 F intercropping with 50% RDF + Bio treatment. We can conclude that application of 50% RDF + Bio fertilizer treatment in 2B:2 F intercropping, increased the productivity of basil-fenugreek intercropping, improved the EO compositions and could be recommended to the growers in sustainable production of basil.

Context:Estragole (EST), a phenylpropanoid found in essential oils, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.Aims:This study investigated its potential protective effects against systemic infections in septic C57BL/6 mice. We evaluated leukocyte recruitment, nitric oxide production, bacterial viability in blood, and survival rates. In addition, we assessed its effects on cell viability and phagocytosis in vitro.Materials and Methods:The effects of EST were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Leukocyte viability and phagocytic activity were assessed, while sepsis was induced in mice via cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Mice received oral EST (125, 250, or 500 mg/kg), and biological samples were analyzed for immune response markers and survival.Statistical Analysis:Results are expressed as the mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Statistical evaluation was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Survival rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log-rank test. Differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.Results:Treatment with EST (250 and 500 mg/kg, orally), administered one hour prior to sepsis induction, reduced leukocyte recruitment and nitric oxide production at the infection site, decreased the number of viable bacteria in the blood, and improved survival rates (significantly at 500 mg/kg) after seven days. Furthermore, at non-toxic concentrations (90 µg/mL), EST enhanced the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in vitro.Conclusions:Estragole demonstrated immunomodulatory and antibacterial effects, strengthening immune responses and reducing mortality in septic C57BL/6 mice.

Aim/Background: To evaluate the antistress (adaptogenic) potential and safety of the ethanolic extract of Piper betle leaves (PBLE) using validated behavioral models in mice. Methods: PBLE was prepared by maceration in 80% ethanol. Acute toxicity (limit test, 2000 mg/kg) and sub-acute (14-day) safety were performed. Antistress efficacy was evaluated using the Tail Suspension Test (TST), Forced Swim Test (FST), and Anoxia Stress Tolerance (AST) in Swiss albino mice (groups: control, diazepam 1 mg/kg, PBLE 200 mg/kg, PBLE 400 mg/kg; n=5). Phytochemical screening and TLC profiling were done. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p&lt;0.05). Results: Acute toxicity showed no mortality or organ pathology at 2000 mg/kg. PBLE (200–400 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent reductions in immobility in TST and FST (significant at 400 mg/kg) and increased anoxia tolerance across 3 weeks. Phytochemical tests and TLC indicated presence of eugenol, quercetin, methyl chavicol and other secondary metabolites. Conclusion: PBLE demonstrated significant antistress (adaptogenic) activity with a favorable safety profile, supporting its traditional use and warranting further mechanistic studies.

Anise and Dill fruits both pants are grown in Damascus Countryside and Al-Ghab Plain in Syria. They are commonly used as spice, sedatives, and antispasmodics. The present study evaluated the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the volatile oils of Anise and Dill fruits. GC–MS Method was used to determine the constituents of volatile oils. The antioxidant activity of these volatile oils was also studied using the DPPH method. The main constituents of Anise fruits collected from Al-Ghab Plain were determined as Methyl chavicol, Anethole, ɣ-himachalene, β-bisabolene, Iso-eugenol, and Epoxy pseudo iso-eugenol. The major constituents of Dill volatile oil were D, L-limonene, L-carvone, and a small amount of Anethole. The volatile oil extracted from Dill fruits grown in Al-Ghab Plain showed lower phenolic content and higher antioxidant activity compared to the volatile oil extracted from Anise fruits grown in the same region, which have a high percentage of phenolic content (IC50 = 0.8 mg/ml and IC50 = 0.98 mg/ml, respectively).

To contest the disadvantages of synthetic pesticides, we investigated the essential oils (EOs) of Origanum vulgare and Ocimum basilicum and their nano-formulations as alternative tools for pest management. After conducting assays, we prepare nanoemulsions (Nano-Es) from these essential oils (EOs) and characterized them biologically and chemically. Both EOs and Nano-Es have remarkable suppression activity in the pre-emergence; however, they have fewer inhibition effects as post-emergence applications against Convolvulus arvensis, Lolium temulentum, Chenopodium album, and Cuscuta planiflora weeds. These treatments did not display any observed selectivity and negative effects in the T. alexandrine crop. When EOs and Nano-Es were applied on Fusarium oxysporum, they had EC50 by 114.89 and 54.94 (O. basilicum) and 89.56 and 33.54 (O. vulgare) ‎µl ml1 respectively. Similarly, when applied to bacteria Erwinia carotovora, the EC50 were 179.76 and 128.65 ‎µl ml-1 (O. basilicum) and 171.76 and 114.65 (O. vulgare) ‎µl ml-1, respectively. The GC/MS analyses identified the essential oil constituents, which the major compounds in O. basilicum were geranyl acetate (15.58%), linalool (13.68%), methyl chavicol (9.56%), and terpinene-4-ol (9.10%), beta-myrcene (7.40%), and 1, 8-cineol (6.76%), respectively. The major constituents in O. vulgare of oils were carvacrol (13.565), thymol (11.78%), dihydrocarveol (11.36%), carvacrol methyl ether (7.60%), α-terpinene (7.09%), cymene (6.61%) and pinene (6.03%), respectively. The Nano-Es of O. basilicum and O. vulgare were characterized by their nanoparticle sizes of 13.45 ± 6.3 and 22.4 ± 8.0 nm, and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of 46.76 and 57.32 nm, respectively. In general, the efficacy of EOs of O. vulgare and O. basilicum improved in their Nano-Es, and their characterizations were good for an application that offered promising formulations for pest management programs.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by airway hyper-responsiveness, inflammation, and pulmonary edema. Asthma may be triggered by allergens, certain medications, environmental exposure, respiratory infection, and physical exertion. Patients with asthma express higher levels of T helper cell 2 (Th2) cytokines i.e., IL-4 and IL-5. Estragole (EST), a phytochemical in essential oils, has shown anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Current study was set out with the objectives to evaluate the anti-asthmatic effects of EST using various in vivo and in vitro experiments. Thirty-six (36) albino BALB/c mice were divided into six groups: Normal group (NG), OVA-induced asthma group (DG), Methylprednisolone group (MPG group, 15mg/kg), Low, medium and high doses of EST (LDE: 10, 30 and 60mg/kg, respectively). Mice were sensitized with 20µg of OVA intraperitoneally and treated with EST during the challenge phase (21-27days). Lung wet/dry ratio, total and differential leukocyte counts (TLC and DLC) in blood and Bronchoalveolar Lavage fluid (BALF) collections, histopathology (H&E, PAS), mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IL-5 in the lungs were analyzed, and molecular docking was performed. Airway inflammation was found ameliorated in EST treated groups as evident by reduction in TLC and DLC in both blood and BALF samples, and attenuation of infiltration of inflammatory cells in lungs. Furthermore, EST significantly reduced IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA expression levels in the lungs tissue and demonstrated notable binding affinity with IL-4 (- 4.5kcal/mol), IL-5 (- 4.7kcal/mol), and GATA-3 (- 5.3kcal/mol). These docking results support the in vivo findings by suggesting a possible interaction of EST with key Th2 mediators, and their transcriptional regulator to suppress downstream airway inflammation, consistent with its observed anti-asthmatic effects. Estragole possesses anti-asthmatic property by attenuation of airway inflammation and pulmonary edema. Molecular docking, RT-qPCR, and histopathological evaluations suggesting that EST may attenuate allergic asthma via attenuation in Th2-mediated markers i.e., IL-4, IL-5, and GATA-3.

Background: The Asteraceae family comprises the largest flowering plant species, which have also been proven to have medicinal value for various illnesses due to the presence of numerous volatile and non-volatile constituents. Objective: The study aims to compare the volatile phytoconstiteunts presence in the essential oils of Asteraceae family plants including Roman Chamomile Oil (Chamaemelum nobile), German Chamomile Oil (Matricaria chamomilla), Davana Oil (Artemisia pallens), Wormwood Oil (Artemisia absinthium), Armoise Oil (Artemisia vulgaris), Tansy Oil (Tanacetum vulgare), Yarrow Oil (Achillea millefolium), Tarragon Oil (Artemisia dracunculus), Tagetes Oil (Tagetes erecta) and Immortelle Absolute Oil (Helichrysum italicum) as simultaneous estimation using the novel methods. Methods: Roman chamomile, German chamomile, davana, wormwood, armoire, tansy, yarrow, tarragon, tagetes, and immortelle absolute oils were extracted by steam distillation from their respective Asteraceae species and carried out the gas chromatography analysis. Results: The result was that GC-MS analysis of selected essential oils contains terpenes and terpenoids in major amounts. Among the detected volatile constituents in crucial oils Methyl Chavicol was found higher 75.63% in Tarragon Oil compared to other constituents followed Neryl acetate (60.25%) found in the immortelle absolute oil, Cis davanone (55.36%) was found in the davana oil, Ocimene (45.58%) in the tagetes oil, α-bisabololoxide B (45.26%) in the German chamomile oil, Beta thujone (50.65%) in the tansy oil, Alpha thujone (40.21%) in the wormwood oil and Camphor (38.65%) in the armoise oil. 1,8-Cineole, Alpha pinene, and Camphene were found in three oils (Wormwood oil, Armoise oil and Yarrow oil) among the selected oils. result: The results revealed the majority of terpenes and terpenoid-natured compounds. Methyl Chavicol (75.634%) was the highest content found in the tarragon oil when compared to the compounds found in the ten Asteraceae essential oils. The compounds such as Neryl acetate (60.251%) werefound in the immortelle absolute oil, Cis davanone (55.3640%) was found in the davana oil, Ocimene (45.5856%) in the tagetes oil, α-bisabololoxide B (45.2655%) in the German chamomile oil, Beta thujone (50.6520%) in the tansy oil, Alpha thujone (40.2150%) in the wormwood oil and Camphor (38.654%) in the armoise oil. 1,8-Cineole, Alpha pinene and Camphene were the compounds found in three of the ten Asteraceae essential oils Conclusion: Finally, we concluded that species from the same family (Asteraceae) were biologically synthesized with different volatile constituents. Hence, each essential oil has a unique biochemical fingerprint. These findings will help the food industry in relation to natural flavoring.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) essential oil contains methyl chavicol, which exhibits antibacterial properties. Basil essential oil has volatile and hydrophobic properties, so it is necessary to have an emulgel preparation that can stabilize and enhance its topical activity. This study aims to formulate an emulgel of basil essential oil and investigate its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Basil essential oil was analyzed using the GC-MS. The formulas of Basil essential oil emulgel were created through concentration variations of 5%, 7.5%, and 10%, respectively. These formulas were then tested for organoleptic properties, viscosity, pH, spreadability, and adhesion time. Additionally, antibacterial activity tests were conducted using the well diffusion method. Basil essential oil analysis identified methyl chavicol at 81.34%. All formulas had the white semi-solid form and they had specific basil odours, viscosity 1013.83 ±714.29; 1644.68 ± 888.68; 1923.26 ± 1733.67 cps, pH 5.73; 6.02; 6.90, spreadability 19.61 ± 0.24; 18.28 ± 0.32; 17.57 ± 0.26 gram.cm/second and adhesion time 8.03 ± 1.85; 5.07 ± 0.43; 5.51 ± 0.14 second. Furthermore, all the formulas inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (p&lt;0.05). The 7.5% basil essential oil emulgel’s formula provides optimal results in terms of physical stability and antibacterial activity.

Aphids pose a significant threat to crop production, highlighting the need for sustainable pest management strategies. Plant-derived compounds are well-known as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. However, the role of methyl chavicol (MC), a phenylpropanoid found in several plant species, in inducing plant defence through exogenous application remains unexplored, despite its demonstrated insecticidal properties against various pests on direct exposure. This study aims to investigate the impact of exogenous MC applications on Brassica assessing performance and behaviour of Myzus persicae Sulzer (Aphididae) and its parasitoid Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead (Braconidae). Therefore, we assessed aphid survival and fecundity on MC-treated and untreated (control) plants using clip cages and evaluated behavioural responses through settlement and Y-tube olfactometer assays. Additionally, we conducted foraging and parasitism bioassays to examine performance of the natural enemy A. gifuensis on MC-treated plants. Our results showed that M. persicae exhibited higher fecundity on MC-treated plants compared to controls, indicating that MC treatment made the plants more favourable for aphid reproduction. Similarly, A. gifuensis demonstrated enhanced preference and parasitism behaviour towards MC-treated plants, suggesting that MC could help recruit the parasitoid. These findings suggest that MC may act as a modulator of plant defence, altering insect-plant interactions while maintaining compatibility with beneficial insects, offering a promising approach for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs in Brassica crops.

Standardisation is essential to ensure the quality, efficacy, and safety of basil oil products. Although Ocimum basilicum L. is the most widely traded species, other Ocimum species are often sold under the same name, increasing the risk of misidentification and adulteration. Intraspecific variation in morphology and chemical composition further complicates standardisation, highlighting the need for a comprehensive authentication strategy. This study evaluates genetic, chemical, and morphological methods for the authentication of commercial basil accessions to support accurate species identification and product standardisation. Samples were analysed using DNA barcoding (matK, trnH-psbA, rbcL, rpl16), GC-MS-based chemical profiling, and trichome characterisation via scanning electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis placed all commercial samples within a broad clade encompassing O. basilicum, its hybrids, and related species. Species-specific single nucleotide variations in matK and trnH-psbA supported the identification of distinct accessions. Notably, liquorice basil showed genetic similarities to non-basilicum species, suggesting the need to revisit its classification. Chemical profiling revealed substantial variation in essential oil composition, with some samples dominated by linalool and eugenol, and others by methyl chavicol, raising potential safety concerns. Morphological analysis further highlighted differences in trichome density, particularly in the blue spice variety. The findings underscore the limitations of using a single method for basil authentication and advocate for an integrated approach. DNA barcoding supports species identification, while chemical profiling is essential for chemotype differentiation. Developing reliable DNA markers and incorporating combined analyses into routine quality control can strengthen industry standards for natural product authentication.

This study investigates the phytochemical variations among 34 cultivars of Ocimum basilicum to evaluate their essential oil composition and identify chemotaxonomic patterns.Understanding this variation is important for cultivar authentication, selection, and potential industrial or pharmacological applications.Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).To assess chemical variation and group cultivars based on their volatile profiles, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied.A total of 48 volatile compounds were identified across the cultivars.Linalool was the most abundant constituent, dominating in 28 cultivars with concentrations ranging from 24.2% to 81.1%.Methyl chavicol exhibited strikingly high levels in certain cultivars, reaching up to 82.0% in some samples.Cluster analysis revealed two major chemotype clades, with chemical similarity indices ranging from -33.07% to 90.84%, indicating substantial intra-specific variation and the potential for clear chemotaxonomic discrimination.The essential oil composition of O. basilicum cultivars exhibited marked variability, supporting classification based on chemotypic profiles.These findings enhance the understanding of chemotaxonomy within the genus and provide practical insights for cultivar selection in medicinal, aromatic, and commercial applications.

The plants from the Ocimum genus, belonging to the Labiatae family, serve as important bioresources of essential oils (EOs) rich in biologically active secondary metabolites, widely used in medicine, food, and cosmetics. This study explored the volatile composition, enantiomeric distribution, and in vitro biological activities of EOs from three Ocimum species native to Nepal: O. tenuiflorum L., O. basilicum L., and O. americanum L. EOs were extracted via hydro-distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for chemical profiling and chiral GC-MS for enantiomeric composition. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed for major chemotypes. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays. Antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method, and cytotoxicity was tested on NIH-3T3 (normal) and MCF-7 (breast cancer) cell lines via the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. EO yield was highest in O. tenuiflorum (1.67 ± 0.13%) during autumn and lowest in O. americanum (0.35 ± 0.02%) during winter among all Ocimum spp. The major compounds identified in O. tenuiflorum were eugenol (32.15–34.95%), trans-β-elemene (29.08–32.85%), and β–caryophyllene (19.85–21.64%). In O. americanum, the major constituents included camphor (51.33–65.88%), linalool (9.72–9.91%), germacrene D (7.75–1.83%), and β–caryophyllene (6.35–3.97%). For O. basicilum, EO was mainly composed of methyl chavicol (62.16–64.42%) and linalool (26.92–27.05%). The oxygenated monoterpenes were a dominant class of terpenes in the EOs except for O. tenuiflorum (sesquiterpene hydrocarbon). A hierarchical cluster analysis based on the compositions of EOs revealed at least three different chemotypes in Ocimum species. Chiral GC-MS analysis revealed β-caryophyllene and germacrene D as enantiomerically pure, with linalool consistently dominant in its levorotatory form. O. tenuiflorum exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity, particularly against Candida albicans, and showed notable anticancer activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 = 23.43 µg/mL), with lower toxicity to normal cells. It also demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 69.23 ± 0.10 µg/mL; ABTS IC50 = 9.05 ± 0.24 µg/mL). The EOs from Ocimum species possess significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties, especially O. tenuiflorum. These findings support their potential application as natural agents in medicine, food, and cosmetics, warranting further validation.

Abstract The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis , is a major insect pest of maize, causing significant yield losses across maize-growing regions. The excessive reliance on chemical pesticides for its control has raised environmental and resistance-related concerns, emphasising the need for safer and more sustainable alternatives. This study investigates the efficacy of five synthetic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), methyl salicylate, methyl benzoate, methyl eugenol, methyl chavicol, and allyl isothiocyanate, based on their toxic and behavioural effects on O. furnacalis , as well as their impact on the egg parasitoid Trichogramma ostriniae . All tested VOCs significantly increased mortality in both eggs and larvae of O. furnacalis , with a clear dose-dependent trend. Furthermore, all compounds led to a reduction in oviposition by O. furnacalis females under both choice and no-choice conditions in laboratory and greenhouse assays. Behavioural assays revealed that higher concentrations of certain compounds attracted O. furnacalis females. Additionally, all tested concentrations of the VOCs enhanced the foraging activity of T. ostriniae . These findings suggest that VOCs hold promise as components of an ecologically effective pest management strategy by simultaneously suppressing pest development and enhancing the efficacy of biological control agents.

Betel-leaf creeper is a prominent horticultural cash crop of West Bengal with a sizeable contribution towards the agro-economy of the state. Farmers propagate several elite cultivars of betel-leaf for extraction of high quality essential oil. The study focused on the comparative analysis of popular landraces on account of essential oil content (volume/fresh-weight) and its putative metabolome profile. The ‘Sagar Meetha’ genotype (0.24%) produced maximum oil followed by ‘Kakdwip Meetha’ (0.21%), ‘Kali Bangla’ (0.18%) and ‘Sada Bangla’ (0.14%) respectively from fresh leaves. The GC-MS/FID analysis of the leaf oil revealed thirty-four compounds with chavicol, chavibetol, methyl chavicol and β-caryophyllene as the major volatiles. The methyl chavicol (estragole) fraction was higher in ‘Meetha’ types than ‘Bangla’ producing the sweet fragrance. The absence of β-Bourbonene in Sagar Meetha, presence of (Z)-β-ocimene (0.1%) and leaf alcohol (0.1%) in Kalibangla ecotypes were identified as major discriminants. The eugenol content was low in coastal cultivars. The PCA identified two Principal components for regulating 80% of the variation of cultivars and HCA analysis confirmed genetic fidelity of the selected landraces. The information could be useful for the suitable utilization of the betel-leaf landraces for extraction of known and novel chemical constituents in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Mosquitoes are among the most vexing bloodsucking insects that torment the public. They transmit diseases globally and contribute to significant mortality annually. Mosquito control remains a major challenge under current environmental conditions. Traditional Indian medicine systems, such as Ayurveda and Siddha, have long utilized medicinal plants with insecticidal properties. This study evaluates the larvicidal potential of Ocimum sanctum (Basil) essential oil against Aedes aegypti larvae. Essential oils of O. sanctum were used for the larvicidal study and its chemical composition studies, were carried out using Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Gas Chromatographic techniques. Third to early fourth instar larvae of Aedes aegypti of 30 larvae with serial dilution of essential oils, viz., 100 μL, 500 μL, 1000 μL and 2000 μL, were used. The mortality rate was observed for each replicate after 0, 1 h, 4 h, 20 h, 24 h, and 48 h of treatment. The FTIR and GC-MS analyses identified major functional groups and phytoconstituents in the essential oil like methyl chavicol (estragole), linalool, eugenol, methyl cinnamate,1,8-cineole, etc. The results of the mosquitocidal activity of EOs exhibited LC 50 values @126 μL and LC 90@ 762 μL after 24 h’s time limit. This study concludes that the FTIR and GC fingerprints revealed major chemical components of O. sanctum Eos highlighting the potential natural bio-pesticide properties against Aedes aegypti which can contribute in controlling vector-borne diseases by targeting mosquitoes at the larval stage.