Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry Analysis Research Articles

Chemical profiling, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of the essential oil of Matricaria recutita (Chamomile)

Matricaria recutita, commonly known as chamomile, is extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries for its medicinal and essential oil properties. Local people from the Karnali Province of Nepal use this plant against skin and vaginal infection by bacteria and fungi. This research focuses on extracting essential oil through hydro-distillation, followed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) to identify its chemical constituents and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungi responsible for common skin infections. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil from M. recutita identified eleven chemical components. The major constituents, with respective area percentages at retention times 37.16, 11.79, and 7.88 in the GC chromatogram, were -farnesene (46.56%), -bisabolol oxide-A (11.79%), and menthol (7.88%). Limonene, methyl salicylate, and -bisabolol oxide-B also constituted the lowest area percentages at 1.36%, 1.59%, and 1.62%, respectively. The essential oil exhibited significant antioxidant activity with IC50 = 0.1924 µL/mL. Additionally, the essential oil exhibited notable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538P and Candida albicans, displaying zones of inhibition measuring 10.64 mm and 14.44 mm, respectively. The broth method also revealed that the MIC is above the 250 mg/mL range and has more potential for inhibition.

Integrated Analysis of Terpenoid Profiles and Full-Length Transcriptome Reveals the Central Pathways of Sesquiterpene Biosynthesis in Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz

Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz. is an aromatic and medicinal plant in East Asia. The primary bioactive compounds in this species are sesquiterpenes, particularly β-eudesmol, hinesol, and atractylon. Cultivation techniques require improvement to meet the medicinal demands of this species. In this study, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of an A. chinensis germplasm showed its essential oil contained various sesquiterpenes, including a high relative ratio of β-eudesmol. Full-length transcriptome profiling of A. chinensis revealed 26 genes related to terpenoid biosynthesis. These genes belonged to 13 gene families, including five in the isopentenyl pyrophosphate synthase gene family and four in the terpene synthase gene family. The functions of the four terpene synthase genes were proposed based on gene expression patterns and phylogenetic relationships: one was thought to encode monoterpene synthase and three to encode sesquiterpene synthase. Based on the results, the central biosynthesis pathways of the major sesquiterpenes in the A. chinensis rhizome were proposed, and three sesquiterpene synthase genes were identified as expressed in the rhizome for the first time. AcHMGR, AcFPPS, and the three sesquiterpene synthase genes were proposed as potential targets for molecular breeding in A. chinensis to enhance its sesquiterpene content.

Exploring Chemical Profiles, Antifeedant, Nematicidal and Phytotoxic Potentials of Seven Essential Oils from Eucalyptus Species.

Leaf essential oils (EOs) of seven Eucalyptus species from southern Tunisia (E. gracilis, E. lesouefii, E. salmonophloia, E. sargentii, E. flocktoniae, E. oleosa and E. salubris) were screened for their antifeedant, nematicidal and phytotoxic effects and their chemical compositions. The yield of EOs of these species varied from 1.32±0.38% to 4.92±0.37%. Using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, 22 compounds were identified, representing 87.16% to 96.83% of the total oil content. The main components found in all EOs were 1,8-cineole (38.71-70.44%), α-pinene (4.40-8.88%), p-cymene (0.95-14.99%), pinocarvone (0.17-3.22%), trans-pinocarveol (1.53-13.48%), spathulenol (0.18-5.39%) and globulol (0.22-6.47%). The insect antifeedant, nematicidal and phytotoxic effects of these oils against insect pests (Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae and Rhopalosiphum padi), the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) and two plant models (Lolium perenne and Lactuca sativa) were examined. Despite the moderate insect antifeedant activity, the EOs of E. salubris, E. salmonophloia, E. lesouefii and E. sargentii were the most effective against M. persicae. Significant nematicidal effects were observed for both E. salmonophloia and E. oleosa EOs. Moreover, all Eucalyptus EOs significantly suppressed the root and leaf growth of Lolium perenne than the root length of Lactuca sativa, indicating that EOs from Eucalyptus possessed an excellent phytotoxic potential.

Chemical Composition and Anti-sickling Activity of the Essential Oil From the Leaves of Lantana Montevidensis (Spreng.) Briq (Verbenaceae) Growing Wild in the Western Region of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Lantana montevidensis (Spreng.) Briq. is a shrub native to South American countries. In Congolese traditional medicine, its leaves are used as herbal tea or in steam inhalation therapy for the treatment of respiratory disorders. The goal of this study was to determine the chemical composition and the anti-sickling activity of the essential oil obtained from the leaves of this species growing wild in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Previous studies on the chemical composition of this species essential oil showed that it is mainly rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene-D, (Z)-caryophyllene, valencene, bicyclogermacrene, (E)-nerolidol, β-selinene, sabinene, γ-terpinene, and β-elemene in different ratios. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of our oil revealed that it is rather rich in monoterpenes, with geranial (24.13%), neral (17.73%), limonene (8.27%), γ-terpinene (2.81%), p-cymene (2.36%), geraniol (2.33%), nerol (1.52%), citronellol (1.37%), linalool (1.24), and carvone (1.20%) as major constituents. Germacrene D (4.21%), α-elemol (3.53%), and β-caryophyllene (1.08%) were the only main sesquiterpenes detected, besides 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one (3.51%). The Emmel test performed on this essential oil displayed a strong anti-sickling activity at the concentration of 625µg/mL.

P1341 Probing the interaction of probiotic bacterial extracellular vesicles with primary colonic epithelium using an ex-vivo organoid platform

Abstract Background Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEV) are increasingly recognized as a relevant mode of contactless host-microbiota communication. BEV are nanoparticles pinched off from the membrane of multiple bacteria and carry nucleic acid snippets and functional proteins inherited from their parental bacteria. While evidence suggests that BEV act as transmitters to modulate the immune response, only scarce data exist as to whether and how efficiently BEV are internalized by colonic epithelium as the host‘s front line in the gut. This study aims to quantify BEV internalization into primary colonic epithelium and explore structural and physicochemical properties of BEV potentially influencing uptake. Methods BEV were isolated from Limosilactobacillus reuteri (LR) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and incubated with either colonoids or colonic epithelial monolayers from C57BL/6 mice. BEV were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP) analysis, as well as lipidomic and proteomic analysis. Uptake of BEV into colonic epithelium was assessed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. Results BEV of either species displayed a uniform appearance with a lipid bilayer on TEM. NTA showed similar spectra of sizes with a dominant peak around 100 nm whereas with DLS particle size readings were higher and showed a bimodal distribution. The ZP of BEV measured in buffer with physiological salinity did not differ between LR and LP. Gas chromatographic mass spectrometry analysis revealed neither qualitative nor quantitative differences in the composition of long chain fatty acid in BEV membranes. As opposed to LP, LR pellets showed proteomic enrichment of pathways linked to glycerolipid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, and terpenoid backbone synthesis, being precursor steps of lipoteichoic acid synthesis (LTA). LTA could be detected in BEV of both species, but appeared to more abundant in LR-BEV. A dose-dependent increment in BEV uptake rates was noted in both species, with LR-BEV being more readily internalized by colonic epithelium. Epithelial cells exposed to LR-BEV were characterized by irregular nuclei and partial detachment from the surface whilst cells incubated with LP-BEV appeared morphologically normal. The quantity of viable cells was reduced in colonoids treated with LR-BEV, but not LP-BEV. In the presence of LR-BEV, colonoids were less likely to undergo apoptosis. Conclusion LR- and LP-BEV differ in their ability to enter colonic epithelium and interfere with cellular homeostasis. A variable degree of LTA decoration of BEV membranes might account for differential uptake into the host cell.

Rapid and Simple Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) Sample Preparation for Propofol Analysis in Hair, Blood, and Urine by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic. Although considered safe, propofol-related deaths occur, as it is sometimes abused recreationally or used to commit suicide. A simple, rapid, and reliable method for its analysis in various biological samples is needed. Sample clean-up is a critical step in the analysis, both in terms of time and cost, indeed. Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) is a simple and fast extraction based on ternary solvent mixtures that uses small volumes of solvent and sample. A DLLME extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was developed and validated for the analysis of propofol in blood, urine, and hair. The same extraction mixture of 2.5:1 methanol/chloroform was used for the different biological samples. Validation for linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, and recovery gave satisfactory results for the three types of biological samples included in the study, with limits of quantification of 1 μg/mL for urine, 0.2 μg/mL for blood, and 0.1 ng/mg for hair. The DLLME procedure for purification involves a small amount of solvent, thus reducing the cost and the environmental impact. In addition, a high enrichment factor is obtained, and the time for analysis is short. The method was applied to authentic post-mortem samples for the determination of propofol in blood, urine, and hair. Also, segmental hair analysis was performed to assess chronic propofol abuse. The developed method proved to be rapid, simple, and cost-effective for blood, urine, and hair extract clean-up for the determination of propofol by GC/MS.

Elucidating the Biological Potential and DNA Protective Activities of Astragalus tokatensis Fisch: GC-MS and LC-HRMS-based Characterization and Molecular Docking Studies.

Astragalus tokatensis is a local endemic species and no study exists on this species. In this study, hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and water extracts were obtained from the parts of root, leaf and flower of A. tokatensis. The phytochemical analyses of hexane and methanol extracts were identified and characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS), respectively, for the first time. The total 11 fatty acid and 8 flavonoid derivatives was detected in GC-MS and LC-HRMS analyses, respectively. Total antioxidant levels (TAL) and total oxidant levels (TOL) values of extracts were investigated. TAL and TOL values were given as mM Trolox equiv./L. and μM H2O2 equiv./L, respectively. The α-amylase enzyme activity of all extracts was examined, and it was found that the extracts had no significant effect on the α-amylase activity. Also, the DNA protective activities of the leaf and flower extracts were determined by using gel electrophoresis method and it was seen that all flower extracts had high DNA protective activity. Moreover, Docking assays showed that the limited interactions of sinapinic acid and salicylic acid, the most abundant in the methanol extracts, with α-amylase, supported the weak inhibitory effects observed experimentally in the methanol extracts.

Assessment of volatile compounds variability among two Commiphora species using gas chromatography coupled with chemometric analysis and their biological activities

ABSTRACT Commiphora wightii is an important medicinal plant often widely used in ayurvedic medicines. However, the chemical constituents of the essential oil (EOs) obtained from C. agallocha were not well explored. Therefore, the present study aims to get an extreme understanding of the comparative volatile composition of different accessions of two important Commiphora species, namely C. wightii and C. agallocha, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), followed by multivariate principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis-based chemometric analysis. A total of 129 diverse volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were identified in EOs of both Commiphora species, and the concentration of VOCs varied significantly from species to species as well as from accession to accession. In C. wightii EO, 80 compounds were identified, containing sesquiterpenes followed by diterpenes, whereas 49 compounds were identified in C. agallocha EO with high sesquiterpene levels. The GC-MS and chemometric analyses distinguished C. wightii and C. agallocha species based on their qualitative and quantitative variations in terpenoid contents. Both EOs exhibited promising antioxidant activity to the positive standard butylated hydroxyl toluene. The EOs of the Commiphora species exhibited antimicrobial activities in disc diffusion and biofilm assays against two bacterial and one fungal strain; however, C. wightii EO displayed a strong inhibitory effect against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans compared to other EOs. In this study, we first reported the comprehensive profiling of terpenoid content of C. wightii and C. agallocha stems along with their antibiofilm activity against two pathogenic bacterial strains and one fungal strain in a comparative manner. Based on the comparative antimicrobial assay between two Commiphora species, the EO of C. wightii showed good biofilm inhibition potential against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans compared with EO of C. agallocha. Based on the current results, the two Commiphora species may be promising ingredients for applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Urinary odor molecules in the Otassha Study can distinguish patients with sarcopenia: A pilot study.

To identify sarcopenia markers in urinary odor. We performed solid-phase microextraction from the headspaceand gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of urinary volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in 71 healthy individuals and 68 patients diagnosed with sarcopenia according to the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. The mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) of 10 VOCs with a significant difference in the total ion chromatogram of 220 VOCs detected in this study were compared by U-test. To calculate the predictive values for sarcopenia, binomial logistic regression analyses were conducted with sarcopenia (0, 1) as the dependent variable and the m/z values of each of the 10 VOCs and all 10 VOCs as independent variables. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for predictive values were generated to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. The correlations between the predictive value and handgrip strength, usual gait speed, and skeletal muscle mass were assessed using Pearson's r. We identified 10 VOCs (p-xylene, 1-butanol, d-limonene, nonanal, pyrrole, γ-butyrolactone, texanol isomer, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, and diisobutyl phthalate) as candidate biomarkers in urine. The ROC curve analysis showed high diagnostic accuracy of the predictive values of the 10 VOCs for sarcopenia (area under the curve = 0.866, 95% confidence interval: 0.829-0.942; sensitivity, 80.9%; specificity, 81.7%). Additionally, the predictive values significantly correlated with handgrip strength (male: r = -0.505, P < 0.0001; female: r = -0.568, P < 0.0001). This study identified 10 urinary VOCs as possible non-invasive biomarkers for sarcopenia, offering insights into its onset mechanism and potential therapeutic targets. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; ••: ••-••.

Fecal metabolomic analysis of the role of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in the therapeutic mechanism of Timosaponin AIII in Sjögren's syndrome.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic inflammatory and difficult-to-treat autoimmune disease. Timosaponin AIII (TAIII), a plant-derived steroidal saponin, effectively inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the mechanisms of action of TAIII in SS treatment by studying gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using fecal metabolomics. The model group used non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. The treatment group was classified into TAIII and hydroxychloroquine groups. The gut microbiota, SCFAs, and metabolites were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. TAIII effectively alleviated dry mouth in NOD mice, slowed the progression of salivary gland tissue injury, reduced inflammatory factor expression, and increased the levels of aquaporins 1 and 5. TAIII regulated SCFA content and tryptophan metabolism by altering the abundance of the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. TAIII can improve imbalances in the gut microbiota and the metabolic levels of related SCFAs and tryptophan, thereby reducing the level of inflammation. The significant differences observed in the abundance of the Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group between the treatment and control groups indicated the potential relationship between bacteria and metabolites in SS. Key Points • The safe and effective treatment of SS with traditional Chinese medicine • Multi-means study on intestinal flora, short-chain fatty acids, and metabonomics.

Comparing the Structural and Physicochemical Properties of Highland Barley β-Glucan from Different Sources: A Focus on Color.

Herein, β-glucan (BG) was extracted from different colored varieties of highland barley (HB, Hordeum vulgare), defined as BBG, WBG, and LBG depending on the colors of black, white, and blue and their molecular structure and physicochemical properties were investigated through a series of technical methods. The high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) results indicated the extracted BBG, LBG, and WBG mainly comprised glucose regardless of color. The molecular weight (Mw) of BBG, LBG, and WBG were 55.87 kDa, 65.19 kDa, and 81.59 kDa, respectively. 4-Glc(p), 3-Glc(p), and t-Glc(p) accounted for a larger proportion (>90%) of the total methylated residues according to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy revealed that the β-linkage of LBG had a greater capacity to develop stronger hydrogen bonds, due to the absence of 3,4-Glc(p). Among them, LBG had a low particle size distribution and a high shear viscosity, showing obvious round aggregates on its surface. Meanwhile, BBG presented a high peak viscosity (PV) and thermal stability. Based on the differences in their molecular structure, it could be concluded that there were different physicochemical properties among BBG, LBG, and WBG.

Profiling of metabolites and minerals from black ginger and blue turmeric rhizomes by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis and their biopotentials

Profiling of metabolites and minerals from black ginger and blue turmeric rhizomes by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis and their biopotentials

Zooming into CTC black-tea wine metabolites: A GC-MS-based study

This research was designed to propose a report on fermentation metabolomics of CTC (crush-tear-curl) tea wine (TW), a yeast-fermented broth of sugared CTC black tea infusion. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the tea wine revealed the presence of thirty-five metabolites, including the major compound glycerine with some potential antioxidant molecules and other bioactive agents (4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-; furfural; furfuryl alcohol; succinic acid; levulinic acid; palmitic acid; tyrosol, pyruvaldehyde; and 1-hexadecanol). The role of metabolites in the physicochemical, biochemical, and medicinal properties of TW has been discussed. Biomolecules responsible for the flavour of TW were as follows: glycerine derivatives; pyruvaldehyde; furfural; furfuryl alcohol; acetic, levulinic, succinic, and palmitic acids, etc. – which might develop a sweet, caramel-like, astringent, slightly sour and wine-like flavour and taste. Furthermore, on the basis of yeast metabolism, possible biosynthesis pathways of metabolites were designed aiming for fermentation metabolomics. The outcome of this study cross-verified physicochemical, biochemical, and medicinal properties of TW suggesting its acceptability. As the fields of both wine research and tea science continue to evolve, the findings of this study may encourage fermentation technology for product development from tea that may also boost the growth of the tea industry.

Exploring Hornstedtia scyphifera: an extensive multimethod phytochemical investigation reveals the chemical composition and bioactive potential

Abstract Hornstedtia scyphifera (J.Koenig) Steud. represents a lesser-known member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) that is used in Malaysia as spice and traditional medicine. The phytochemical investigation of leaves from this species utilizing diverse analytical methods has provided comprehensive insights into its chemical profile for the first time. Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GCMS) and GCMS analyses of essential oil and nonpolar extracts verified α-pinene, camphene, p-cymene, and camphor as main volatile compounds. Metabolite profiling of the crude extract by ultra-high-performance-liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) unveiled terpenoids, flavonoids and other phenolics as major compound classes. Isolation and follow-up structure elucidation, involving 1D and 2D NMR, HRMS, UV and CD analysis, yielded two new sesquiterpenoids, (1R,5S,6S,7R,10R)-mustak-14-oic acid (1) and (1R,6S,7S,10R)-6-hydroxy-anhuienosol (2), along with 24 known compounds (seven terpenoids, seven flavonoids, ten phenolics), 21 of these never reported for H. scyphifera. Additionally, the crude extract and fractions from the purification process were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activity. This is supplemented by an extensive literature research for described bioactivities of all isolated compounds. Our results support and explain previously detected antimicrobial, antifungal and neuroprotective effects of H. scyphifera extracts and provide evidence for its potential pharmacological importance.

Transcriptome analysis reveals regulatory mechanism of methyl jasmonate-induced monoterpenoid biosynthesis in Mentha arvensis L.

Mentha arvensis L. (M. arvensis) is an aromatic plant of the Mentha genus, renowned for its medicinal and economic importance. The primary components of its essential oils (EOs) are monoterpenoids, synthesized and stored in peltate glandular trichomes (PGTs). In general, the EO content in M. arvensis is relatively low. Methyl jasmonate (MJ) has been reported as an effective elicitor of terpenoid biosynthesis in medicinal plants, but the specific mechanisms underlying MJ’s influence on M. arvensis remain unclear. In this study, exogenous application of MJ significantly increased the EO content, yield, and PGT density in a dose-dependent manner. At a 5 mM dose, the EO content and PGT density peaked, with increases of 71.20% and 53.69%, respectively. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated that, in general, MJ treatment did not significantly alter the types or relative proportions of EO components of M. arvensis. However, L-menthol content decreased slightly by 7.90% under 5 mM MJ treatment. Transcriptome analysis identified 4,659 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MJ-treated leaves. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that “Monoterpenoid biosynthesis” was among the most significantly enriched metabolic pathways. Key genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA) signaling (JAZs and MYCs) and monoterpenoid biosynthesis (GPPSs, LSs, L3Hs, and IPRs) were significantly up-regulated. Co-expression analysis, promoter binding element analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that transcription factors (TFs) such as AP2/ERF, WRKY, MYB, and bHLH play crucial roles in regulating MJ-mediated monoterpenoid biosynthesis. Several key candidate TFs potentially involved in regulating monoterpenoid biosynthesis in M. arvensis were identified. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating monoterpenoid accumulation in the Mentha genus.

Volatile organic compounds of hoary stock are responsible for suppressing downy mildew of grape in an intercropping system

Grape downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) is an air-borne disease and difficult to control. It has been observed that intercropping grapevines (Vitis vinifera) with aromatic plants can effectively suppress the airborne disease and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the aromatic plants are believed to have antimicrobial activities. In this study, a two-year field trial was established by intercropping grapevine and hoary stock (Matthiola incana) to evaluate the control of grape downy mildew. The field results showed that intercropping effectively suppressed grape downy mildew, particularly during the blooming stage of hoary stock. VOCs from hoary stock plants exhibited a dosage-dependent antimicrobial activity against grape downy mildew. To examine the role of VOCs, hoary stock plants were grown in an enclosed chamber, and VOCs were collected at the time points before and post blooming. The collected VOCs were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis and in vitro bioassays. Twenty-four VOCs found from pre-blooming and 36 VOCs from post-blooming hoary stock plants were identified. Seventeen VOCs demonstrated consistent inhibitory activities against P. viticola, including seven terpenoids, five benzenoids, and five aliphatics. Among the 17 VOCs, five were unique to post-blooming hoary stock, while 12 were common to both pre- and post-blooming hoary stock. The antimicrobial VOCs offers a potential eco-friendly alternative to managing downy mildew.

Acaricidal and insecticidal activities of entomopathogenic nematodes combined with rosemary essential oil and bacterium-synthesized silver nanoparticles against camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii and wax moth, Galleria mellonella.

An innovative approach to ticks and insect pests management is necessary to mitigate the challenges posed by the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides, which can lead to resistance development and environmental pollution. Despite their great potential, biological control agents have significant manufacturing, application, and stability limitations. Currently, using phytochemicals, biosynthesized nanoparticles, and bioagents to get rid of arthropods might be a good alternative that would make farmers less worried about residues and resistance. The present investigation was carried out to determine for the first time the in vitro acaricidal and insecticidal efficacies of endogenous two entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), Heterorhabditis indica and Steinernema sp. combined with either Proteus mirabilis-synthesized silver nanoparticles or Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil against the camel tick, Hyalomma dromedarii larvae and females, and greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella larvae as well. We also determined the potential effects of these treatments on the biological characteristics of H. dromedarii's engorged females. We further investigated R. officinalis essential oil (EO) profiling and nanoparticle (AgNPs) characterization. All the evaluated combinations demonstrated synergistic effects on the larvae of G. mellonella and H. dromedarii, as well as on engorged females. When H. indica was mixed with EO or AgNPs, it worked well than when Steinernema sp. was mixed with EO or AgNPs. This was shown by the highest number of tick and insect mortalities and the lowest lethal concentration (LC50) values. One day after G. mellonella was exposed to H. indica (1,000 infective juveniles (IJs)) together with EO at 60 or 40 mg/mL, all tested individuals died. We obtained the same results when H. dromedarii females exposed to the same level of EPN with 60 mg/mL EO, and when H. dromedarii larvae treated with H. indica at 500 IJs + EO at 25 mg/mL. Treatments altered all biological parameters of engorged females, revealing extremely noticeable differences between the treated and untreated groups. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified a total of 28 compounds in the R. officinalis EO. Visual observation showed a color change from yellow to dark brown for AgNPs biosynthesized from P. mirabilis; the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrum showed well-dispersed particles with a diameter of 5-45 nm; and the greatest surface plasmon peaked at 320 nm. The results demonstrated the high efficacy of combining EPN, H. indica, with EO to control tick and insect pests. This is due to its acaricidal activity on different stages of H. dromedarii, including larvae and engorged females, and its larvicidal effect on G. mellonella.

First report on the structural and functional aspects of androconial gland in Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella

Aim: This research aims to provide the first comprehensive analysis of the anatomical and functional characteristics of the androconial glands in the Greater wax moth (Galleria mellonella L.) and the Lesser wax oth (Achroia grisella F.). The study seeks to investigate the morphology, dimensions, and chemical composition of androconial glands in these two Lepidoptera species. Methodology: A range of analytical techniques was employed, including Stereomicroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (ATR-FTIR), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Stereomicroscopy and SEM revealed the presence of an oval, bulb-shaped pheromonal glands on the mesowing of both species. Dimensional analysis showed that the and roconial gland in G. mellonella was 1.33 μm long and 4.74 μm wide, while in A. grisella it ranged from 1.23 to 2.33 μm. FT-IR analysis of the wings identified characteristic peaks at 1538.30, 1645.25, 2284.44, 2923.51 and 3275.28 cm-1, corresponding to the presence of alkanes, alcohols and carboxylic acids. GC-MS analysis identified two previously unreported compounds in male G. mellonella: heptadecane and heneicosane. Additionally, cis-9-hexadecenal was identified as a novel compound in male A. grisella. Interpretation: The findings of this study, provides valuable insights into managing wax moth infestations through pheromone-based strategies. Male wax moth pheromones can be effectively utilized as a tool, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Key words: Androconial gland, Achroia grisella, Galleria mellonella, Lepidoptera, Pheromone

Characterization, Bioactive Profiling and Evaluation of the Pharmacological Activities of Ethanol Extract of Lannea welwitschii (Hiern) Engl.

Introduction: Lannea welwitschii is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine to treat various infectious diseases due to its plethora of bioactive compounds that possess various pharmacological activities. This study aimed to characterize and determine the phytochemical profile and the bioactive compounds responsible for their pharmacological activities. Methods: Phytochemical screening and Gas-Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis were carried out on the ethanolic extract of L. welwitschii to determine the volatile compounds present. Characterization of the crude extract was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated using methods such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant Potential (FRAP). The antibacterial activities were determined using the macro-broth dilution technique. Results: Secondary metabolites such as saponins, tannins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycoside were identified. The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 48 bioactive compounds, out of which 12 had peak area percentages ≥ 1%. Some of the bioactive compounds identified include 2-butoxy-ethanol, Dodecanoic acid, Stigmasterol, Isopropenyl, and n-hexadecanoic acid, which have been reported with different biological activities. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of various functional groups which showed major compounds in the plant extract. The morphological features showed the spherical shape of the plant extract with several aggregates, while the EDX analysis identified elements such as silicon, oxygen, and silver. The extract demonstrated inhibitory potential against some of the bacterial isolates. However, Bacillus pumilus, Klebsiella quasipneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus are more susceptible with MIC of 0.313 and 0.625 mg/ml respectively. Conclusion: The presence of secondary metabolites and bioactive compounds revealed by the characterization and phytochemical analysis provided enough evidence for the usage of the plant in the treatment of infectious diseases and thus might be considered a therapeutic agent.

Unravelling the anti-inflammatory activity of Cyperus rotundus essential oil through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking approaches

Cyperus rotundus rhizome is used in the traditional system of medicine to treat various diseases. The rhizomes of this plant are traditionally used as medicine for treatments of stomach pain, bowel disorders, and inflammatory pain. The present study aims to characterize the chemical constituents of the C. rotundus rhizomes essential oil (CREO) and to evaluate its possible mechanism of action as an anti-inflammatory agent by an integrative approach of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking analysis. The compound-target-disease network revealed cubenol, gamma murolene, cyperotundone, delta selinene, alpha copaene, alpha pinene, and beta caryophyllene are core compounds with higher degree values. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed IL1B, IL10, IL6, PTGS2, TNF, and STAT3 as hub targets. A total of 1000 biological processes, 142 cellular components, and 241 molecular functional pathways were enriched. Molecular docking analysis revealed that hub compounds and protein targets had strong binding affinity between them. The top two docked poses with the lowest binding energy were identified as PTGS2-Cubenol and IL10-Gamma murolene with binding energies of -7.9 and -7.2 kcal/mol, respectively. A molecular dynamics study revealed that the PTGS2-Cubenol and IL10-Gamma murolene complex had a good amount of deformability. These results demonstrated that CREO can act on numerous proteins and pathways to form a systematic pharmacological network, and they can be considered as a candidate drug for treating inflammatory-related disorders