Eucalyptus Globulus Labill Research Articles

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

Experimental investigation on the influence of microwave technology on the treatability and mechanical properties of Portuguese southern blue gum wood

Despite presenting global relevance and satisfactory mechanical properties for structural applications, the Portuguese eucalyptus, southern blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), faces difficulties with impregnation with preservative products due to its limited permeability (treatability), which limits its utilization. Microwave (MW) treatment of wood offers a promising avenue for overcoming this issue, but it may impact the mechanical properties. It was identified that there remain research gaps regarding the impacts of MW treatment on eucalyptus. Hence, it was aimed to identify the optimum MW parameters for southern blue gum wood to enhance its impregnability without compromising the mechanical properties. This will contribute to meeting the growing demand for wood for construction. Small clear wood specimens containing heartwood were separated into three groups: two underwent MW treatment, and one did not (control). The samples were impregnated with a preservative product and after submitted to mechanical testing. The MW treatment significantly enhanced the retention of the preservative product, which is remarkable given the impossibility of impregnating eucalyptus heartwood using conventional pressure methods. Although there were slight decreases in the mechanical properties of the MW-treated specimens, they were statistically equivalent to the control group. New insights into the mechanical bending behavior of MW-treated samples also arose. The mechanical properties of MW-treated eucalyptus samples surpassed those of other globally used wood species. Thus, MW treatment presented itself as an effective process for increasing eucalyptus impregnability, and it has the potential to augment southern blue gum's use as a raw sawn and engineered structural wood material worldwide.

Effect of different cytokinin sources on in vitro/ex vitro multiplication and rooting rate in Eucalyptus spp.

Eucalyptus globulus Labill. is of great interest to the pulp industry. However, the species is highly susceptible to leaf spot caused by Teratosphaeria nubilosa and has a low rooting capacity. In order to overcome these limitations, INIA has been implementing a genetic improvement program for this species and the generation of interspecific hybrids. The strategy is based on the selection of E. globulus clones with high precocity or foliage turnover, since the adult foliage is more tolerant to T. nubilosa. In addition, controlled crosses of E. globulus and E. maidenii with E. grandis are carried out to incorporate disease resistance and ease of rooting. The multiplication of the selected materials is carried out by micropropagation, but the low rooting capacity is a trait that needs improvement. The cytokines necessary for in vitro proliferation can have a negative effect on the rooting process. Benzyladenine is the most commonly used cytokine because of its low cost and easy availability, with some negative effects on rooting, while meta-topolin is a cytokine of lesser impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of benzyladenine and meta-topolin on the multiplication rate, rooting percentage and plantlets survival of E. globulus, E. grandis × E. globulus, and E. grandis × E. maidenii. In multiplication media, benzyladenine was supplied at 0.4 µM, while two concentrations of meta-topolin (0.4 and 2 µM) were used. Preliminary results indicated a higher multiplication rate with the inclusion of meta-topolin in both concentrations. The in vitro rooting percentage of explants treated with meta-topolin was 51% and 44%, at 0.4 and 2 µM, respectively, while with benzyladenine was lesser (37%). After 28 days post-transplanting, survival was higher in meta-topolin-derived plants. Meta-topolin improved multiplication, in vitro rooting and acclimation of plants. The use of this hormone could improve micropropagation protocols, facilitating rooting and multiplication of valuable genotypes.

Formulation and evaluation of Chinese eucalyptus oil gel by using different gelling agents as an antimicrobial agent

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to formulate and evaluate the herbal gels containing Chinese Eucalyptus Oil or Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (E. globulus) using different polymers (Methylcellulose, HPMC, Carbopol-940) and checked their antimicrobial effects against different microorganisms. the oil from Eucalyptus globulus has a good medicinal value in the Chinese medicine system. MethodsA topical gels formulation were designed by using mentioned oil with polymers, as well as gelling agent with different excipients. Microbial species, such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Aspergillus tubingensis (A. tubingensis) have been selected for the study. ResultsThe gel's physical properties complied with the necessary standards. These four gel compositions efficiently stop some strains' development. Studies show that the gel was also particularly effective against gram-negative and fungal bacteria. The Zones of inhibition (ZOI) were found between 1.2 and 10.2 µm. The formulation F4 have good antifungal potential. ConclusionThe herbal gel was found to have highly promising anti-fungal and anti-fungal activity against many skin-related infections in a concentration-dependant manner but further research must be needed.

Potential of Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Ocimum sanctum L. Phytochemicals as Herbal Hand Sanitizer: A Review

Potential of Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and Ocimum sanctum L. Phytochemicals as Herbal Hand Sanitizer: A Review

The impact of two bacterial species and five aqueous plant extracts on yield and yield components of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and surof (Echinochloa crus-galli L.)

Chemical exudates from some plants to the environment have been reported as causative agents of adverse effect on growth of neighboring plants and thus affecting normal growth in their natural environment. The mode of action of Chemical exudates on plants is involves a large number of biochemical reactions. This research aimed to investigate the effect of foliar application of different levels of two bacterial species and five aqueous plant extracts on the yield and yield components of Oryza sativa L. and Echinochloa crus-galli L. This research was conducted as a factorial based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three factors with three replications during the 2017–2018 crop year. The main factor included aqueous extracts of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica), Nettle (Urtica dioica), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), and Streptomyces sp-albos containing thaxtomin, Xanthomonas campestris, and control (without aqueous plant extracts and surfactant). The sub-factor includes foliar application treatment with different levels of zero (control), 5, 10, and 15% of extracts, and the third experimental factor included Oryza sativa L. and E. crus-galli L. The results indicated the plant height, leaf area index (LAI), grain yield, biological yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and grain protein content decreased, and the grain starch content increased with increasing the extract concentration; the highest effect was obtained at 15% of extracts. The lowest value of leaf area index (3.13) were found in higher concentration of X. campestris followed by Elderberry extract (5%, 10% and 15%) and Nettle (10%) extracts. It was also found that using extract reduced yield characteristics and components of Oryza sativa L., E. crus-galli L., and Elderberry extract showed the highest negative effect. According to the results, Oryza sativa L. had higher plant height, LAI, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, chlorophyll, grain protein content, and grain starch content than E. crus-galli L. In all extractions, control treatment had the highest number of panicles plant−1 in both plants (rice and E. crus-galli L., 260.1 and 117.1 mg g−1 FW). The results suggested that various extracts, especially Nettle, and 15% of Elderberry can control E. crus-galli L. at the germination stage under field conditions.

Application of the herbal chemical marker ranking system (Herb MaRS) to the standardization of herbal raw materials: a case study

IntroductionPhytochemical standardization of herbal materials involves establishing consistent levels of one or more active ingredients or markers. It ensures the authenticity and quality of herbal materials, extracts, and their products. This research aimed to apply the herbal chemical marker ranking system (Herb MaRS) originally proposed for quality assurance of complex herbal products to establish markers for controlling the quality of herbal raw materials.MethodsThe assessment of compounds for suitability as markers was based on the Herb MaRS, with minor modifications as follows: for more objective scoring, evidence of biological activity of the potential marker compound(s) was determined at three levels based on the number of symptoms of the disease condition a compound can treat or alleviate: (i) one symptom (1 point), two symptoms (2 points), and 3 or more symptoms (3 points). The reported concentrations of the compounds were also scored as follows: concentration not determined (0 points), concentration ≥ 5 ppm (1 point), concentration ≥ 50 ppm (2 points) and availability of analytical standards (1 point). Finally, the compounds were scored for the availability of an analytical method (1 point). The compounds were scored from 0 to 8, where 8 indicated the most suitable chemical marker.ResultsThe selected markers were as follows: aromadendrine, α-terpineol, globulol, and 1,8-cineol (in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. ); aloin, aloe emodin, acemannan (in Aloe barbadensis (L.) Burm.f. ), lupeol, lupenone, betulinic acid, betulin, and catechin (in Albizia coriaria Oliv.); mangiferin, catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid (in Mangifera indica L.); polygodial (in Warburgia ugandensis Sprague); azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbidin (in Azadirachta indica A. Juss. ); and 6,8,10-gingerols, and 6-shogaol (in Zingiber officinalis Roscoe).ConclusionsHerb MaRS can be efficiently applied to select marker compounds for quality control of herbal materials. However, for herbs whose phytochemicals have not been sufficiently researched, it is difficult to establish evidence of activity, and there are no analytical standards and/or methods; this is the case for plants exclusively used in Africa. The markers identified should be incorporated into chromatographic fingerprints, their quantitative methods developed, and evaluated for applicability at the various stages of the production chain of herbal medicines; then, they can be included in future local plant monographs. There is also a need to build local capacity to isolate marker compounds, particularly those that are not sold by current vendors.

Chemical analysis of Eucalyptus and Rosemary essential oils using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluation of their toxicity against teh most common urban pest

Using plant essential oils (EOs) as a pesticide alternative has gained increasing interest as a promising strategy to reduce the harmful effects of chemical pesticides. This study aims to investigate the chemical composition of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oils and evaluate their impacts against Blattella germanica L. under laboratory conditions. The essential oils were prepared from dried leaves using hydro-distillation (HD) as a chemical extraction method. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze and identify their chemical compounds. Bioassays were conducted using the standard contact method recommended by the World Health Organization, and the data were analyzed using the probit regression model. By GC-MS analysis, the major components included 1,8-cineole (50.67%), alpha-pinene (17.48%), limonene (4.26%) for eucalyptus and alpha-pinene (20.67%), camphor (10.69%), 1,8-cineole (9.38%), Borneol (9.02%), comphene (7.15%), and limonene (4.88%) for rosemary. The LD50 values were 9. 27, 10.54, and 3.23 %, and LD95 values increased to 27.2, 22.3 %, and 14.3% for rosemary, eucalyptus, and their mixture. The EOs mixture had a higher repellent effect with a repellency rate of 98.9% at a concentration of 3% compared to 93.3% and 90% at a concentration of 5% for rosemary and eucalyptus alone.

Antibacterial activity of medicinal plants on the management of mastitis in dairy cows: A systematic review.

Mastitis is a disease of economic importance in dairy production systems. The common management regime for mastitis is the use of synthetic antibiotics, giving a new problem of antibiotic resistance. There is, therefore, a need to prospect for alternatives to conventional antibiotics from herbal plants. This systematic review evaluates the use of plants as alternatives for the control of mastitis in dairy cattle, focussing on the effectiveness of studied plants and plant-based products and possible implications on the use of these products in livestock health. The PRISMA model was implemented with searches done in five electronic databases: Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Ovid and Research4Life. Data were extracted from 45 studies with 112 plant species from plant species belonging to 42 different families. The specific keywords were 'mastitis', 'dairy cows' and 'medicinal plants'. The most cited plant species included Allium sativum L., Azadirachta indica and Eucalyptus globulus Labill with the latter further exploring its components. Microbial species causing mastitis mainly were Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The extraction methods used included maceration approach using ethanol, methanol and water as solvents for phytochemicals and chromatographic techniques for essential oils. A few studies explored the mode of action, and toxicities of the herbal extracts as well as evaluating their efficacy in clinical trials using animal models. Plants with defined levels of phytochemicals were essential sources of antibacterials. Standardisation of analytical methods is required.

Contrasting ethylene-mediated responses to waterlogging in four Eucalyptus globulus Labill. clones

We investigated the effects of overabundant watering in Eucalyptus globulus, a widely used species for pulp production with a low to moderate tolerance to waterlogging. We hypothesized that (1) overabundant watering would result stressful and trigger some of the well-known physiological responses to waterlogging and (2) different clones may show a different response to overabundant watering. Twelve potted plants from four E. globulus clones were watered with nozzles for twenty minutes, twice a day along 21 days. Other eight plants per clone were kept as controls and watered every two to four days. Overabundant watering caused a decrease in total leaf area after 21 days of treatment. Chlorophyll content and net photosynthetic rate were lower in plants under overabundant watering with no significant decrease in the rate of transpiration and no photoinhibition. Root pressure-generated xylem sap exudation was 3–17 times higher in plants under overabundant watering. We found significant differences between clones in ethylene production, growth, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and root thickening. The highest increase in ethylene production was measured in clone c14, in which we measured the highest decrease in growth, chlorophyll content and the electron transport rate under overabundant watering. In conclusion, overabundant watering imposed a moderate stress, which allowed the plants to respond at the root and leaf level trying to drain the excess of soil water through transpiration. Our results support the viability of early testing for waterlogging resistance in Eucalyptus globulus clones, in order to select the best attributes to identify waterlogging-resistant genotypes.

Unveiling the efficacy of pre-emergent application of young Eucalyptus globulus leaves as a weed control strategy: Bridging macroscopic effects and cellular responses

Allelopathy, the inhibition of neighbouring plant growth by certain plants, can be particularly useful if applied in a targeted way for weed management. So, this study aimed to assess and characterize the herbicidal activity of fresh and dried leaves from young Eucalyptus globulus Labill. trees applied as a soil amendment. For this, fresh and dried leaves (FL and DL, respectively) were incorporated into the soil at different concentrations (0, 1, 5, and 10% w/w), where Portulaca oleracea L. seeds were sown. After 5 weeks of exposure, results revealed that the soil incorporation of DL at 10% (w/w) presented the strongest herbicidal properties, inhibiting seed germination by 63% and inducing the loss of cell viability. To unravel the possible mode of action and the main targets at both cellular and subcellular levels, an in vitro experiment was performed. Purslane seeds were sown in a nutritive medium containing different dilutions of an aqueous extract prepared with dried eucalyptus leaves. After 5 days of exposure, germinated seedlings were processed for transmission electron microscopy and histological analyses as well as for reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo detection by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results revealed that the allelochemical release from DL induced ROS overproduction, resulting in the loss of cell integrity and organization, which was characterized by damage to several cellular sub-structures, along with enhanced accumulation of lipid droplets. Overall, the incorporation of DL into the soil can represent a sustainable alternative to reduce synthetic herbicide application and subsequent environmental contamination.

Nanocomposites from spent coffee grounds and iron/zinc oxide: green synthesis, characterization, and application in textile wastewater treatment.

This study reports on a novel composite of bimetallic FeO/ZnO nanoparticles supported by spent coffee grounds (SCGs). The leaves of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill) and trumpet (Cuphea aequipetala Cav), with their high antioxidant content, serve as bio-reductant agents for the green synthesis of nanoparticles. It was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Stable nanoparticles were produced with different diameters of 5-30 nm, and they were applied as catalysts in Fenton-like processes. Box-Behnken experimental design (BBD) was used to determine the optimal removal efficiency with three factors and was used in the degradation of textile dyes from wastewater. The nanocomposite displayed a high decolorization ratio (88%) of indigo carmine in the presence of H2O2 combined. This resulted in a reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 56% at 120 min of contact time at an initial pH of 3.0 and a 0.5 g/L of catalyst dose, a H2O2 concentration of 8.8 mM/L, an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/L, and a temperature of 25 °C.

Ethnobotanical study of nutraceutical plants used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS in Acholi sub-region, Northern Uganda

BackgroundNutraceutical plants play a potential role as supportive treatment with antiretroviral drugs in the management of opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. There is limited documentation of nutraceutical plants in Northern Uganda and limited literature addressing processes to be adopted for quality assurance of herbal formulations in Uganda. This study aimed to document plant species with nutritional and medicinal properties used for managing opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS by traditional medicine practitioners (TMPs), who included professional herbalists, herbal farmers and herbal sellers in Acholi sub region, Northern Uganda.MethodsAn ethnobotanical study was carried out in Amuru, Gulu and Pader districts, Northern Uganda. Cross-sectional data were collected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. A total of four hundred (378 women and 22 men) informants were selected. Data were collected using semistructured interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, familiarity index (FI), fidelity level (FL) and informant consensus factor (ICF).ResultsThis study recorded a total of 84 nutraceutical plant species, which are used to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. Most abundant families were Leguminoceae, Asteraceae and Solanaceae. Six nutraceutical plants that had higher fidelity level and familiarity index values included Momordica foetida Schumach, Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip, Mangifera indica L, Cajanus cajan L. Millsp, Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Cucurbita pepo L. Respondents’ knowledge on nutraceutical plants had a positive significant correlation with age (R2 = 0.0524, p ≤ 0.01). The popular mode of preparation are decoctions/boiling in water (70%), while the most used route of administration is oral (76%). TMPs tried to ensure that during collection and processing, plant materials were free from contamination. TMPs reported limited knowledge on preservation techniques.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the availability and diversity of nutraceutical plants in Uganda and reports methods of processing and administration used by TMPs. Both men and women used nutraceutical plants to manage opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS and showed great extent of their traditional knowledge. Most of the nutraceutical plants in study area are wild and abundant; however, high percentage use of plant roots and bark threatens the sustainable use from the wild.

Microwave Treatments and Their Effects on Selected Properties of Portuguese Pinus pinaster Aiton. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. Wood

The most widespread wood species in the Portuguese forest and the most widely utilized are maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill). In the case of eucalyptus, except for the pulping sector, it might have limited usage due to drying issues and low permeability. Microwave (MW) treatment is a technology that has been used to improve wood species’ permeability. Therefore, the present paper aimed to evaluate the MW treatment of both Portuguese wood species and to investigate the effects of different MW treatments on wood’s density, water uptake capability, modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE). Using small clear wood specimens, two MW powers were used, 700 and 1200 W, and the samples were submitted to successive MW cycles of 2 min till they reached the required dryness. The results showed that each wood species had a different behavior during the MW drying in terms of drying rate, supply, and consumption of energy. In general, with the increase in MW power, the densities of both species decreased and the water uptake increased, as a possible indicator that a certain level of microstructural damage might have occurred. Regarding the mechanical properties of MW-treated maritime pine and eucalyptus wood specimens, under the harshest conditions (MW power of 1200 W), MOR and MOE were reduced compared with the wood sample without MW treatment.

Machine Grading of High-Density Hardwoods (Southern Blue Gum) from Tensile Testing

Hardwoods commonly have high mechanical properties, which makes them interesting for structural use, but softwoods dominate the structural timber market in Europe. Tensile strength classes are recommended for engineered wood products. However, current European standards do not provide tensile strength classes for hardwoods and the declaration of tensile properties from machine grading in the industry is not yet possible. The present paper aims to contribute to the revision of European standards through the technical group CEN/TC124/WG2/TG2: Tensile strength classes for hardwoods, of the European Standardisation Committee. An experimental campaign which involved machine grading and tensile testing of over 569 boards of Southern blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) from Spain and Portugal was made. Six new tensile strength classes were defined, from ET24 (ft,0,k = 24 N/mm2, Et,0,m = 18 kN/mm2 and ρk = 590 kg/m3) to ET42 (ft,0,k = 42 N/mm2, Et,0,m = 23 kN/mm2 and ρk = 640 kg/m3). Machine grading made possible the definition of six strength class combinations. Four combinations resulted in 40% of the sample being assigned to the higher strength class, with low percentages of rejection (varying between 1% and 14%). This demonstrates the high mechanical properties of the species and the performance improvement of machine grading with respect to current visual grading.

The potency and effectiveness of six essential oils in controlling grapevine trunk diseases in Morocco

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity (AA) of essential oils (EOs) extracted from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (Eucalyptus), Citrus limonum (L.) Burm. (Lemon), Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume. (Cinnamon), Lavandula latifolia aspic (Lavender), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Rosemary), and Mentha spicata L. (Peppermint) against four pathogenic fungi responsible for grapevine trunk diseases in Moroccan vineyards. The EOs with the highest in vitro efficacy were selected for further testing on autoclaved grape wood assays against Diplodia mutila, Neoscytalidium novaehollandiae, Trichothecium roseum, and Neopestalotiopsis vitis. The major chemical constituents of the tested EOs were determined through GasChromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and their relative percentages were recorded. All tested EOs demonstrated significant antifungal activity against the four pathogens, as evidenced by in vitro results. Redundancy analysis (RDA) confirmed the efficacy of the tested EOs against grapevine fungal pathogens. The efficacy of each EO varied depending on the pathogen being targeted. For example, lavender had the highest efficacy across EOs (81.37%) against T. roseum, while peppermint was the most effective in inhibiting D. mutila (47.45%). Cinnamon was the most effective EO in controlling N. vitis (73.33%), while rosemary had the best effect in controlling N. novaehollandiae (56.79%), with the most effective EC50 value (8.66 µL/ml) being attributed to the rosemary EO. The in vitro results were further confirmed through autoclaved grape wood assays, with inhibition of proliferation ranging between 93.14% and 66.32%. These findings represent a novel application of EOs extracted from various medicinal plants to control fungal diseases in grapevine plantations.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus oil) 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 an essential oil from the leaves and twigs of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus oil) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of eucalyptus oil is safe at the following concentrations in complete feed: 12 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 18 mg/kg for laying hens, 16 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 22 mg/kg for piglets, 26 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 32 mg/kg for sows, 55 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 48 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep, goats and horses, 31 mg/kg for dairy cows, 19 mg/kg for rabbits, 55 mg/kg for salmonids, 58 mg/kg for dogs, 10 mg/kg for cats and 75 mg/kg for ornamental fish. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive was considered safe at 10 mg/kg complete feed. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of eucalyptus oil up to the highest safe level in feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes and the respiratory tract and as a skin sensitiser. The use of eucalyptus oil at the proposed use level in feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since E. globulus and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

The Impact of Origanum vulgare Supplementation on Human Asthenozoospermic Sperm Parameter Quality.

Male infertility is a complex multifactorial disease and a real health problem; 50% of infertile men have identifiable causes detectable by fundamental sperm analysis. Numerous research studies have shown the possibility of treating abnormal semen samples with some drugs before artificial insemination, yet evidence of the drug's effectiveness remains minimal. In our previous work, we tested the effectiveness of some essential oils, such as eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) on sperm parameters. The essential oil of oregano showed the best ameliorative effect. In present, we examined the effect of the essential oil of O. vulgare on the physiological parameters and the specific activity of certain antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidation rate (MDA), and GAPDH and antioxidant and metabolic biomarkers, characterizing the quality of human sperm. The results showed that in vitro supplementation of oregano significantly improves the mobility and antioxidant activities, without harmful effects on the integrity of the sperm's DNA, and that the selected concentration of oregano EO is nontoxic and may be considered a therapeutic alternative to heal sperm motility problems in asthenozoospermic patients.

Eucalyptus globulus Leaf Aqueous Extract Differentially Inhibits the Growth of Three Bacterial Tomato Pathogens.

As available tools for crop disease management are scarce, new, effective, and eco-friendly solutions are needed. So, this study aimed at assessing the antibacterial activity of a dried leaf Eucalyptus globulus Labill. aqueous extract (DLE) against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xeu), and Clavibacter michiganensis michiganensis (Cmm). For this, the inhibitory activity of different concentrations of DLE (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, and 250 g L-1) was monitored against the type strains of Pst, Xeu, and Cmm through the obtention of their growth curves. After 48 h, results showed that the pathogen growth was strongly inhibited by DLE, with Xeu the most susceptible species (15 g L-1 MIC and IC50), followed by Pst (30 g L-1 MIC and IC50), and Cmm (45 and 35 g L-1 MIC and IC50, respectively). Additionally, using the resazurin assay, it was possible to verify that DLE considerably impaired cell viability by more than 86%, 85%, and 69% after Pst, Xeu, and Cmm were incubated with DLE concentrations equal to or higher than their MIC, respectively. However, only the treatment with DLE at 120 g L-1 did not induce any hypersensitive response in all pathogens when treated bacterial suspensions were infiltrated onto tobacco leaves. Overall, DLE can represent a great strategy for the prophylactic treatment of tomato-associated bacterial diseases or reduce the application of environmentally toxic approaches.

Direct and inverse cohesive law identification of hardwood bonded joints with 1C-PUR adhesive using DCB test

Fracture characterisation under mode I loading of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. bonded joints with one-component polyurethane adhesive (1C-PUR) is addressed in this work. The objective is to estimate the cohesive law representative of the fracture behaviour of these joints. A direct and two inverse procedures were employed to determine the softening laws. The direct method is based on local measurement of crack tip displacements using digital image correlation in the course of Double Cantilever Beam (DCB) tests, while the inverse methods rely on load–displacement data and on load-crack tip opening displacement relations by finite element modelling. It was verified that consistent results can be obtained from the three methodologies leading to the conclusion that the classical inverse procedure is the most appealing one owing to its simplicity.