Eucalyptus Globulus Labill Research Articles

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Essential Oils Against Aeromonas spp. Isolated from Rainbow Trout

Aeromonas spp. is a major pathogen in aquaculture with a great negative economic impact. Essential oils (EOs) are compounds of the secondary metabolism of plants known for their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. In this study, in vitro antibacterial activity of eight EOs: tea tree (extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia), eucalyptus (extracted from Eucalyptus globulus LABILL.), knee timber (extracted from Pini mungo L.), peppermint (extracted from Mentha piperita L.), oregano (extracted from Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary (extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis L.), thyme (extracted from Thymus vulgaris L.) and pine EO (extracted from Pinus silvestris L.), obtained from Calendula a.s., was evaluated. Their antibacterial activity was demonstrated against Aeromonas spp. isolates. Oregano and thyme EOs showed the strongest activity against all tested isolates at low concentrations, followed by tea tree and peppermint EOs. The MIC value ranged from 0.06 µL/mL to 1.0 µL/mL. The tested EOs showed a significant antibiofilm activity against biofilm-forming isolates with MBIC50 ranging from 0.015 µL/mL to 0.25 µL/mL. All tested isolates were obtained from rainbow trout free of clinical signs of infection. Twelve isolates of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. masoucida, four Aeromonas hydrophila, and four isolates of Aeromonas veronii were identified. The results of the in vitro study showed a significant effect of EOs against Aeromonas spp., which confirmed their potential for use in aquaculture as a prevention against bacterial diseases and a way of reducing the use of antibiotics.

Assessing Land-Cover Changes in the Natural Park ‘Fragas do Eume’ over the Last 25 Years: Insights from Remote Sensing and Machine Learning

The ‘Fragas do Eume’ Natural Park includes one of the best-preserved Atlantic forests in Europe. These forests are part of the Natura 2000 Network. This scientific study focuses on analysing land-cover changes in the ‘Fragas do Eume’ Natural Park (NW Spain) over a 25-year period, from 1997 to 2022, using machine learning techniques for the classification of satellite images. Several image processing operations were carried out to correct radiometry, followed by supervised classification techniques with previously defined training areas. Five multispectral indices were used to improve classification accuracy, and their correlation was evaluated. Land-cover changes were analysed, with special attention to the transitions between eucalyptus plantations and native deciduous forests. A significant increase in eucalyptus plantations (48.2%) (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) was observed, while native deciduous forests experienced a decrease in their extent (17.6%). This transformation of the landscape affected not only these two habitats, but also cropland and scrubland areas, both of which increased. Our results suggest that the lack of effective conservation policies and the economic interest of fast-growing tree plantations could explain the loss of native deciduous forests. The results highlight the need to implement pro-active and sustainable management measures to protect these natural forest ecosystems in the ‘Fragas do Eume’ Natural Park.

Antimicrobial in vitro effects of eight essential oils on Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica from nasopharyngeal swab samples of fattening calves

Essential oils are secondary metabolites of aromatic plants and are used in phytotherapy to treat various diseases. In the present study, eight selected essential oils - ajwain oil (Trachyspermum ammi L.), fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. subsp. vulgare var. vulgare), thyme oil chemotype (ct.) thymol (Thymus vulgaris L.), tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel.), oregano oil (Origanum vulgare L.), mountain savory oil (Satureja montana L.), lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.) and eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) -were examined for their antibacterial effect against Pasteurella (P.) multocida and Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica isolates from deep nasopharyngeal swab samples of fattening calves using agar diffusion and microdilution. All eight essential oils were effective against the tested isolates. Lemongrass oil proved to be the most potent of all eight essential oils, while fennel oil was only weakly effective. Different antimicrobial effects were observed between the two research methods. The effectiveness of ajwain, thyme, oregano and mountain savory oils was comparable in agar diffusion. However, this could not be reproduced using the microdilution method. P. multocida was found to be more sensitive to all essential oils tested than M. haemolytica. This study shows that the tested essential oils have antimicrobial in-vitro effects on P. multocida and M. haemolytica isolates and that the examination method is associated with the test result.

A Survey of Organic Carbon Stocks in Mineral Soils of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Plantations under Mediterranean Climate Conditions

A Survey of Organic Carbon Stocks in Mineral Soils of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Plantations under Mediterranean Climate Conditions

Effects of cadmium and lead on the Morphological Characteristics of Ricinus communis L. and Eucalyptus Globulus Labill at Three Sites in Sirte City

This study was designed to find out the effect of cadmium and lead resulting from the impact of the war on Sirte on morphological characteristics of Ricinus communis L. and Eucalyptus globulus labill. Both species were collected from three different sites in Sirte. The first site was exposed to pollution from random construction that of cadmium and lead to the plants. The second site is more polluted with cadmium and lead, whereas the third site is more polluted. The results show that the plants which are more polluted by the effects of war have smaller wrinkled yellow to grey leaves. Plants from the first site were outward appearance without any change, while in the second site the whole plants appeared in a gray color completely covers plants, while in the third site plants appear stunted, white in color, and the leaves are smaller than normal. Current results were shown a significant difference in the amount of cadmium and lead. Levels of lead decreased in Ricinus communis L in the first region compared to second and third sites with (5.34, 1.97, and 2.32 mg/L) respectively. Meanwhile, levels of cadmium were recorded with 0.342, 0.814, and 0.127mg/L in the same species at three sites. The quantities of lead in Eucalyptus globulus were found at 0.165, 0.357, and 2.64mg/L in three regions. While levels of cadmium were found at 0.97, 0.108, and 0.106 mg/L. These results have shown that Ricinus communis L was absorbed more lead, while Eucalyptus globulus was absorbed more cadmium.

Robustanic acid as a glutaminase and Na+, K+-ATPase inhibitor from leaves of Eucalyptus globulus.

This study was to compare glutaminase and Na+, K+-ATPase inhibitory activities of 20 herbal extracts and investigate the isolation, structural elucidation and those inhibitory activities of three triterpenes from the selected extract of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Three triterpenes, ursolic acid (1), robustanic acid (2) and ursolic acid lactone (3), were identified by analyzing their NMR and MS spectral data and comparison of these with reported data. The IC50 values of 1-3 and the control compound against glutaminase, 6-diazo-5-oxo-l-norleucine (DON), were 443 μM, 334 μM, 963 μM and 134 μM, respectively. The IC50 values of 1, 2 and the control compound against Na+, K+-ATPase and ouabain, were 180 μM, 56 μM and 0.5 μM, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 may serve as potential lead compounds for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative and lifestyle-related diseases by targeting glutaminase and Na+, K+-ATPase. This is the first report on glutaminase and Na+, K+-ATPase inhibitory activities of 2.

Encouraging Invasive Acacia Control Strategies by Repurposing Their Wood Biomass Waste for Pulp and Paper Production

Concerns on the expanding infestation of several Acacia species in the southern Mediterranean European countries have triggered an ever-growing requirement for costly targeted control actions. Valorizing biomass waste produced could help promote and better finance these actions. For that purpose, wood wastes from invasive control actions were tested regarding their pulp and paper potential, aiming to entice cellulose industries to partake in future conservation actions. Wood waste from the five most pervasive Acacia species was studied (Acacia dealbata Link, Acacia longifolia Willd, Acacia mearnsii De Wild, Acacia melanoxylon R.Br, and Acacia saligna Labill) regarding physical and chemical characteristics, and a central composite design was used to optimize alkali charge and reaction temperature on pulping yield and delignification. Bleached kraft pulps were produced with each species’ optimized conditions and for an equitable mixture of all species. Optimized pulp yields (52.6%–53.5%) and pulp polymerization degree (2867–3690) of Acacia species were higher than those of Eucalyptus globulus Labill (used as reference). Optimized bleached pulps were refined and fiber, pulp, and handsheet properties determined. Acacia dealbata and A. longifolia presented high specific wood consumption and lower handsheet strength properties, pointing to overall lower pulping potential, while A. melanoxylon and A. mearnsii characteristics were equal to or higher than those of E. globulus. A. saligna pulp and handsheet characteristics appear more suited for tissue paper. The Acacia mixture achieved acceptable characteristics, enabling the indiscriminate use of Acacia wood regardless of the species. As a shortcoming, the Acacia pulps showed the worst optical characteristics, with brightness dropping substantially with beating (64%–76%) when compared to E. globulus (81%).

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus tincture) when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of ~ 1.86%, which contains on average 0.454% phenolic acids and flavonoids (of which 0.280% was gallic acid), 0.0030% 1,8-cineole and 0.00012% methyleugenol. In the absence of analytical data on the occurrence of mono- or diformylated adducts of acylphloroglucinols with terpenes in the tincture and in the absence of toxicity data, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) could not conclude on the use of eucalyptus tincture for long-living and reproductive animals. For short-living animals (species for fattening), the additive was considered of no concern at 4 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening, 5 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 6 mg/kg for piglets and rabbits for meat production, 7 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 16 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 14 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep/goats and horses for fattening, and 15 mg/kg for salmonids. These levels were extrapolated to physiologically related minor species. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of eucalyptus tincture up to the levels in feed considered of no concern. Eucalyptus tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of eucalyptus tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the leaves of E. globulus and their preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Adsorption of Oil from Industrial Wastewater with Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Bark: Optimization Study

Oily wastewater is one of the most hazardous contaminants that can hurt the ecosystem. There is an urgent need to adopt an efficient, eco-friendly, and low-cost material to replace the old traditional treatment methods of oily wastewater that were very expensive in addition to their relatively low efficiency. Eucalyptus bark is considered one of the materials that are rarely used in this field, although it has the characteristics that qualify it to be a distinguished and promising one. The optimum conditions of using Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (Blue gum) bark in the removal of oil from prepared aqueous solutions were concluded before applying in the treatment of real oily industrial wastewater from New Borg El-Arab City, Egypt. The sequential optimization adsorption results were as follows: initial oil concentration, 500 mg/l; adsorbent dosage, 0.5 g/l; pH, 3; exposure time, 45 min; temperature, 20 °C; and shaking rate, 300 rpm. The pretreatment of biomass with H3PO4 proved it to be superior in the oil removal process where the efficacy reached 450.69 mg/g, while the unmodified form came second where the adsorption efficacy reached 395.86 mg/g, after that the NaOH-modified form came third by efficacy reached 315.85 mg/g. The results of SEM elucidated this order of efficacy according to the porosity of the bark surface. FTIR analysis indicated that OH, carboxylic C = O, and carboxylic C-O groups are the contributing groups in the oil adsorption process for the three forms of Eucalyptus bark. The reusability of Eucalyptus bark using n-hexane for one cycle reached 96.34, 97.13, and 95.83% for unmodified, H-modified, and OH-modified forms, respectively, and for five cycles reached 56.29, 58.01, and 55.81% for unmodified, H-modified, and OH-modified forms, respectively. The application of Eucalyptus bark in the H-form in the treatment of real oily wastewater was achieved by efficacy ranging between 91.46 and 96.23% which proves the excellence of Eucalyptus bark in the treatment of oily wastewater.

European Atlantic deciduous forests are more resilient to fires than Pinus and Eucalyptus plantations

In this study, we assess how ecosystem type affects the short-term post-fire resilience of fire-prone forests, which are the predominant ecosystems in South West (SW) Europe. For this purpose, we focused on three forest systems, widespread across the European Atlantic coast, which are highly susceptible to fires at their SW distribution boundary, namely the European thermophilous Atlantic deciduous forests, dominated by Quercus robur L., and two types of forest plantations widespread globally, Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Pinus pinaster Aiton plantations. At the community structure level, resilience to fire was measured based on changes in cover of each vertical stratum. At the functional level, resilience to fire was measured based on replacements of (both morphological and regenerative) plant functional types in the overstory and understory layers. The study variables were vertical structure and abundance of plant functional types in both overstory and understory layers. Vertical structure was assessed by defining nine vertical strata and estimating the cover in each vegetation stratum. All species identified in the overstory and understory layers were functionally classified according to their morphological attributes and regenerative traits pertaining to fire. One year after fire, we observed considerable differences in the structure between the three forest communities studied, particularly in the overstory layer, because most of the vertical strata were well recovered in the oak forest, partially recovered in the E. globulus plantation, and completely lost in the P. pinaster plantation. In contrast to the Atlantic deciduous forest and eucalyptus plantation, the pine plantation displayed distinct changes in its distribution of plant functional types. The pine plantation showed extremely low resilience to fire because the overstory layer decreased considerably, and the understory layer experienced substantial changes in the distribution of morphological and regenerative plant functional types. Fire favoured certain species which prevailed over others and, while grasses, herbaceous and spiny shrubs increased, the abundance of most morphologically functional plant types disappeared or decreased. These changes in the structure of forest communities and in the distribution of plant functional types have important implications for ecosystem functioning and services provision. Therefore, this study may serve as a foundation for devising forest management measures aimed at increasing ecosystem resilience to fire.

USO DE PLANTAS MEDICINAIS DA COMUNIDADE MARRUÁS DO MUNICÍPIO DE CRAÍBAS-AL, COMO FERRAMENTA NA CONSTRUÇÃO DO CONCEITO DE EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL.

Environmental awareness was applied in this work with the aim of instigating environmental awareness in local communities in the Alagoas countryside, with the aim of building, together with the community, a concept of environmental education, using medicinal plants as a tool. For this purpose, visits were made to the target communities, and semi-structured questionnaires were applied, emphasizing the informants' socio-economic data, as well as ethnobotanical data. The study was carried out in the Marruás community, district of Craíbas – AL, between the months of February and October 2010. 100 interviews were carried out with residents, aged 12 to 80, appointed by the community leader. 40 plant species were surveyed, distributed in 35 families. Most interviewees cited Myracrodruon urundeuva Fr. Allem, known as aroeira, as the most used, followed by Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. (Holy grass). The predominance of leaves (97%) was observed in relation to other vegetative organs, followed by the bark (6%). The local disappearance of some species such as Chenopodium ambrosioides L. (mastruz) and Eucalyptus globulus Labill was recorded. (eucalyptus). The data obtained reveals the need for instructions to promote the sustainable use of medicinal plants in communities like this, creating a perspective of conservation and management of local vegetation.

Early testing for improving growth under water shortage in Eucalyptus globulus Labill.

Aim of study: We aimed at identifying differences in the response to water shortage between Eucalyptus globulus clones. Area of study: Field trials were established in SW Spain. Material and methods: Potted plants from six clones were grown in a greenhouse for 35 days under two watering regimes. Two clones were F0 genotypes and the other four were F1 (hybrid) genotypes, including one inbred clone. Differences in stomatal conductance, hydraulic traits, growth and specific leaf area (SLA) were analyzed. Main results: Water shortage decreased SLA, growth in height and leaf area and leaf-specific hydraulic conductivity (KLmax). We measured the highest growth in F1 genotypes and the lowest in the clone in which SLA was lowest. The inbred clone showed the highest growth reduction under water shortage. There was substantial hysteresis between leaf water potential (Y) and native embolism, most probably a result of combined cavitation and refilling. High losses of hydraulic conductance were compatible with high stomatal conductances. Maximum values of stomatal conductance decreased with the soil water content estimated from predawn Y and were lowest in the inbred clone, showing less plasticity and a diminished ability to cope with high temperatures, which could explain its poor development under field conditions. Research highlights: Soil water content and predawn Y appeared as critical factors controlling stomata closure, while stomatal conductance and SLA could be useful to predict differences in growth and survival from early trials.

Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal and aromatic plants used in the traditional treatment of COVID-19 in the rural commune of Bni Hadifa, province of Al Hoceima (Central Rif, Northern Morocco)

This ethnobotanical investigation was conducted in the rural commune of Bni Hadifa belonging to the Al Hoceima province (North of Morocco), to inventory the principal medicinal plants traditionally used to treat Covid-19. Ethnobotanical information was recorded from 84 inhabitants aged over 18 years in the different communes of the study area, using an ethnobotanical survey based on a questionnaire and semistructured interviews. Data were examined by surveying the relative citation frequency (RFC) and family importance value (FIV). The obtained results permitted the inventory of 40 aromatic and medicinal plants (MAPs) species owned by 20 families, the most important of which by their number of species were: Lamiaceae (12 species), Apiaceae (5 species), Asteraceae (3 species), and two species for each of Amaryllidaceae, Myrtaceae, and Rutaceae. Furthermore, the following species: Allium sativum, Thymus glandulosus, Lavandula dentata L, Citrus limon L, Eucalyptus globulus labill, Artemisia herba-alba, and Marrubium vulgare L were the most frequently cited by the RFC index. Leaves were found to be the common plant organ used to treat Covid-19, while decoction was the most frequent preparation mode. This study also showed that over 90% of the respondents proved the efficacy of the plants used against Covid-19. However, most of the users of these plants did not respect the administered doses and were unaware of the toxicity and lethal effects that could be caused by these plants when taking high doses. The results of this survey demonstrate that the plants used to combat Covid-19 may constitute a promising database for future research in the extraction and chemical analysis of potentially effective biomolecules against this virus.

Termiticidal, biochemical, and morpho-histological effects of botanical based nanoemulsion against a subterranean termite, Odontotermes Formosanus Shiraki.

Recently, the use of nanopesticides has shown significant efficacy in the control of many pests. However, the effect of nanopesticides, especially nanoemulsions, on suppressing termites, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki, 1909) (O. formosanus), has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to produce nanoemulsions of the essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill; E-EO) and nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt; N-EO) to suppress O. formosanus. The analysis of eucalyptus nanoemulsion (E-NE) and nutmeg nanoemulsion (N-NE) was confirmed by using UV-Vis, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. In addition, chemical analysis by Gas Chromatography with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS) exhibited the major constituents of E-NE and N-NE. The principal chemical components of E-NE included D-limonene, eucalyptol, 1,5-cyclooctadiene,3,4-dimethyl, benzene, and 1-methyl-3-(1 methylethyl)-, while the main constituents in N-NE were cyclohexane,1-methylene-4-(1 methylethenyl)-, eucalyptol, and L-. alpha. -terpineol. The mortality rates were 100% and 99.53%, respectively, after 24 hours of treatment with a concentration of 140 mg/mL, compared to 23.43% and 43.55%, respectively, from E-EO and N-EO treatment. These results refer to the essential oils' nanoemulsion as far more effective than the essential oils themselves. Furthermore, the effects of E-NE and N-NE on detoxification enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, acid and alkaline phosphatase were investigated, as well as total protein concentrations, and the results have been found to be significantly increasing or decreasing in comparison with control. Besides, histological and morphological alterations found post exposure to E-NE and N-NE were shown. Overall, the results from this study clearly indicate that the nanopesticide-formulated nanoemulsions may have great potential to be used as novel, environmentally safe insecticides for controlling O. formosanus.

Effect of the rotation frequency in the eucalypt plantations

In the last century, eucalypt plantations are increasing all over the world. Concretely, in the Basque Country (northern Iberian Peninsula), 7% of pine plantations have been recently substituted by eucalypt plantations, where little is known about their ecological impact on soil and plant diversity. However, the most relevant impact is due to forest management, as Eucalyptus globulus Labill. plantations have a short harvesting cycle, 12–15 years rotations. In fact, the species is able to regenerate from stumps; therefore, those plantations are replanted after 3–4 rotations. This type of invasive and frequent management could lead to further adverse effects on the ecosystem. The aim of this study was to characterise and compare the eucalypt plantations newly established (New: never been harvested) with older ones (Old: several times harvested and grown from stumps), having been established for at least 35 years, and to identify the primary factors that could influence the richness and diversity of vascular plant species in those plantations. The results indicated that both plantations exhibited comparable characteristics with respect to deadwood (volume and decay stage) and tree size and density. However, the Old plantations exhibited higher forest heterogeneity, pH, and higher shrub and herb richness and diversity. Overall, generalist and invasive species were found in the New plantations, while in the Old plantations, typical species of the native forests were also observed. The factor that influenced plant diversity was the volume of deadwood. Regarding life forms, higher altitude and proximity to watercourses favoured tree diversity; and lower canopy cover, shrub diversity. In conclusion, the longer the plantation has been established, the greater the number of species that are able to survive and adapt. This is probably due to the fact that management disturbance is specific and not sufficient to remove the already established plants and the soil seed bank.

Potential of metatopoline in the in vitro multiplication and rooting of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Clones

Potential of metatopoline in the in vitro multiplication and rooting of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Clones

Evaluation of Plant Essential Oils against Sitophilus oryzae Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Sitophilus oryzae Linnaeus, commonly known as rice weevil is a globally serious pest of stored grains, especially rice. Considering the target specific nature of botanicals and less hazardous effect than synthetic insecticides, the study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriate dosage of four essential oils i.e., lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stap.), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia L.) against S. oryzae. Each essential oil was used at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 ml doses on filter paper. A long glass cylinder (1000 ml size), divided into three (A, B, and C) sections, supplied with 20 g rice at ends, was used in the study. Ten freshly emerged adults of S. oryzae were released in the center of B, whereas treated and untreated filter paper was placed at A and C section, respectively. Observations on repellency and mortality percentage were recorded after 24 and 48 hours of exposure. The results indicated that all the tested essential oils exhibited insecticidal potential against S. oryzae. The insecticidal activity of all the essential oils increased with their application dose and exposure timing. Maximum mortality of S. oryzae after 48 hours was recorded in tea tree (76.67±3.33%) at 1.0 ml dose, whereas maximum repellency was recorded with 0.1 ml lemongrass (76.67±12.02%) treatment. Overall, tea tree and lemongrass showed maximum insecticidal performance, whereas peppermint was the least effective. After 48 hours, the lowest [0.008 ml (0.001-0.019) and highest [0.018 ml (0.000-0.078) LD50 values against S. oryzae were recorded with lemongrass and peppermint essential oils, respectively. The LD50 values recorded for eucalyptus and tea tree treatment were 0.07 ml (0.000-0.059) and 0.009 ml (0.000-0.046), respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that the essential oils of either tea tree or lemongrass may be applied in the warehouses against S. oryzae, that may not only cause repellency but also mortality among them.

IN SILICO STUDY OF EUCALYPTOL FROM EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LABILL. AGAINST ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME AS AN ANTIHYPERTENSIVE IN COVID-19 COMORBID

Objective: This study aimed to determine the best compound from the 62 compounds of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. as an antihypertensive based on its interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) using the in silico study.
 Methods: The study was carried out in silico through molecular docking simulations, analysis of potential compounds using Lipinski’s rule, and ligand-based ADMET prediction on 62 compounds of the E. globulus.
 Results: It was found that eucalyptol (1,8-cineole) had the best interaction with the ACE as indicated by a bond energy value (∆G) of-6.40 kcal/mol with an inhibition constant of 20.82 µM, and interacted with key amino acid residues in captopril, namely HIS513, HIS353, TYR523, and ALA354. Eucalyptol also had good physicochemical properties by fulfilling Lipinski’s rule and had the best ADMET profile compared to other compounds.
 Conclusion: Eucalyptol was the best antihypertensive against ACE based on amino acid residue interaction, physicochemical properties, and ADMET profile.

Site and landscape scale drivers of bird and insect diversity in Native and novel forest ecosystems of Central Portugal

The natural forests of southern Europe have been altered over the last decades. One of these changes is the proliferation of invasive woody alien species, resulting in highly altered ecosystems, the so-called “novel ecosystems”. These changes affect biodiversity at both local and landscape scales. Using piecewise structural equation models, we evaluate the effects of local and landscape variables on the diversity of birds and insects across three common forest types in Central Portugal, namely: Native Forests (dominated by Quercus sp.) and two novel forest ecosystems, Acacia Forests and Eucalyptus Forests (forests formed by natural regeneration of Acacia dealbata Link and Eucalyptus globulus Labill). Local variables were the most influential on bird and insect diversity, and Native Forests was the forest type that most favored diversity in both groups. The structure of this forest type may explain this difference, as Native Forests have a greater local complexity compared to novel forest ecosystems, providing foraging and breeding resources and increasing the microhabitats. Contrarily to what was expected, no variable, including structural landscape complexity, has significantly influenced biodiversity at the landscape level. Fire seems to promote Eucalyptus Forest, resulting in negative impacts upon biodiversity in fire-prone areas. Our results show the extended impacts of deep ecosystem alterations on diversity patterns, with relevant insight into management and conservation practices.

The Effect of Altitude on the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Essential Oils

The Effect of Altitude on the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Essential Oils