Essential Oil Research Articles

Essential oils cause membrane disruption and autoaggregation of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii cells

Essential oils are promising antimicrobial agents against various bacteria. The aim of the study was to examine anti-Acinetobacter baumannii activity of nine essential oils and to elucidate essential oil mechanisms of action against this. In total, 8 out of 9 examined different essential oils exhibited activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii isolates. The best anti-A. baumannii activity expressed Thymus serpyllum, Satureja hortensis and Oreganum majorana essential oil (MBC 1.29 to 2.58 µg mL−1), while essential oils of Menta x piperita, Hyssopus officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare and Artemisia dracunculus expressed the same effect in higher concentrations (1.80 to 3.80 µg mL−1). The effect of Juniperus sabina, Juniperus sibirica and S. hortensis essential oils against A. baumannii is for the first time reported here. The mechanisms of Myrtus communis, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, S. hortensis and T. serpyllum essential oils were further examined. The essential oil treatments led to concentration dependent leakage of biomolecules form the cells, causing an increase in the concentrations of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins in the suspensions. Microstructural observations confirmed the essential oil effect on cell membranes and disruption the membrane integrity, with obvious leakage of intercellular substance, collapsed cells with perforations, debris presence and autoaggregated cells. The subinhibitory concentrations of oils did not obviously changed protein patterns determined by SDS-PAGE. These results indicate that the essential oils, particularly T. serpyllum, S. hortensis, M. communis and E. camaldulensis express its anti-A. baumannii activity via membrane disruption and increased membrane permeability, representing very promising alternative antibacterial agents against MDR wound isolates.

Chemical Composition, In vitro and In silico Evaluation of Essential Oil Extracted from Mentha Piperita L. for Lung Cancer

Background: Mentha piperita, a naturally occurring herb, is utilized in medicinal formulations. It possesses abundant bioactive elements, including flavonoids and phenolic acid compounds,that exhibit various properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. Objective: In the present study, chemical constituents of essential oil extracted from Mentha piperita were analyzed and identified through GC-MS. In vitro antiproliferative activity was performed on A549 lung cancer cell line lines. In silico study was conducted by Schrodinger’s Maestro’s software to identify chemical constituents in the plant as potential EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) inhibitors Methods: Hydro-distilled essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS to identify chemical components based on the retention index and mass fragmentation pattern, which was then tested for its antiproliferative activity by MTT assay against human lung cancer cell lines. All the identified constituents were investigated in silico for their affinity towards EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors). Results: A total of thirty constituents were identified where D-carvone (56.69%), L-limonene (12.36%), squalene (3.36%), cis-carveol (2.93%), and α-amorphene (2.36%) were observed as major constituents of the essential oil. The essential mentha oil also exhibited antiproliferative activity against lung cancer cell lines with an IC50 value of 86.05 µg/ml. Furthermore, from the in silico study, five constituents were identified to have a better affinity for EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors) than that of the standard drug Osimertinib. Conclusion: In the present study, the aerial part of the plant Mentha piperita was hydrodistilled.Thirty phytoconstituents were identified through GC-MS data. An in-silico study was performed using Schrodinger software, and a further in vitro study was performed in which essential oil showedgood antiproliferative activity against the A549 cancer cell line.

Cellulose Acetate-Based Wound Dressings Loaded with Bioactive Agents: Potential Scaffolds for Wound Dressing and Skin Regeneration.

Wound healing and skin regeneration are major challenges in chronic wounds. Among the types of wound dressing products currently available in the market, each wound dressing material is designed for a specific wound type. Some of these products suffer from various shortcomings, such as poor antibacterial efficacy and mechanical performance, inability to provide a moist environment, poor permeability to oxygen and capability to induce cell migration and proliferation during the wound healing process. Hydrogels and nanofibers are widely reported wound dressings that have demonstrated promising capability to overcome these shortcomings. Cellulose acetate is a semisynthetic polymer that has attracted great attention in the fabrication of hydrogels and nanofibers. Loading bioactive agents such as antibiotics, essential oils, metallic nanoparticles, plant extracts, and honey into cellulose acetate-based nanofibers and hydrogels enhanced their biological effects, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and wound healing. This review reports cellulose acetate-based hydrogels and nanofibers loaded with bioactive agents for wound dressing and skin regeneration.

Research Update on the Therapeutic Potential of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum Linn.) with Threatened Status.

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum) has been used in India for medicinal purposes since the Vedic era. Garden cress, a native of Egypt and southwest Asia, is a small perennial edible herb that has been used to treat many diseases for centuries. The seeds, leaves as well as roots have medicinal properties. The seeds are rich in protein, fat, calcium, and iron and have high nutritional value. They are considered to be galactagogue, anticarcinogenic, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic and antidiarrheal. Leaves, seeds, and aerial parts extracts are found to have alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, polypeptides, vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Lepidium sativum is known for its pungent odor due to the several volatile oils and has been used to treat various conditions, including respiratory disorders, muscle pain, inflammation, and bone fractures in the past. Lepidium sativum is a fast-growing annual herb; in India, it is commonly known as Chandrasoor. Whole fruits or seeds are used, fresh or dried, as a seasoning with a peppery flavor. Boiled seeds are consumed in drinks by Arabs, either ground in honey or as an infusion in hot milk. The seed oil can be used for illumination and soap making. Additionally, limited awareness and conservation efforts have further contributed to its threatened status. Recognizing the importance of preserving this valuable plant species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring its availability for future generations. Furthermore, this review explores the potential benefits of Lepidium sativum in different domains. Its nutritional value and health benefits make it a promising candidate for addressing malnutrition and improving overall well-being. The presence of bioactive compounds suggests its potential use in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and natural medicines for various ailments. Moreover, Lepidium sativum exhibits antimicrobial and insecticidal properties, offering potential applications in agriculture and pest control. The current review discussed the nutritional, potential benefits and pharmacological effects of Lepidium sativum.

A comparative study of the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the essential oils from three species of Mentha cultivated in Morocco

A comparative study of the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the essential oils from three species of Mentha cultivated in Morocco

Essential Oil of Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit: A comprehensive study of its chemical and biological properties for therapeutic and industrial applications

The essential oil from the leaves of Hyptis suaveolens was extracted through steam distillation, yielding an average of 0.08% with a density of 0.8. The chemical composition was determined using Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying 24 compounds, predominantly sesquiterpenes. Antimicrobial activity tests were conducted using the microdilution method to evaluate the efficacy of the oil against 14 bacterial strains. The essential oil was mainly composed of β-Caryophyllene (33.9%), Germacrene D (25.4%), α-Humulene (8.3%), and Germacrene B (8.2%). Antibacterial tests revealed bactericidal activity against most of the tested strains, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 0.3 to 12.2 mg/mL and slightly higher Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC). The essential oil of Hyptis suaveolens shows significant antibacterial activity, making it a potential preservative agent for the food industry. Further studies on its antifungal, anticancer activities, and other physical parameters such as refractive index are suggested to explore its full potential.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal makeup primer

The burgeoning interest in natural and sustainable beauty products has driven the development of herbal makeup primers, which combine cosmetic functionality with the benefits of botanical ingredients. This abstract explores the formulation, efficacy, and advantages of herbal makeup primers. Unlike traditional primers that often rely on synthetic chemicals, herbal primers leverage plant-based extracts known for their skin-enhancing properties, such as aloe Vera& Orange oil. These ingredients offer soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits that can improve skin texture and promote a healthier complexion. The formulation of herbal makeup primers typically includes a blend of herbal extracts, essential oils, and natural emulsifiers. These components work synergistically to create a smooth base for makeup application while also addressing skin concerns such as redness, dryness, and uneven tone. Clinical and consumer studies suggest that herbal primers can enhance makeup longevity and performance, while simultaneously contributing to overall skin health. In summary, herbal makeup primers represent a significant advancement in cosmetics science by integrating the therapeutic benefits of herbal ingredients into everyday beauty routines. Their growing popularity underscores a shift towards more eco-friendly and skin-conscious beauty solutions, aligning with consumer demand for products that offer both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. Future research and development in this field are likely to expand the range of available formulations and further validate the efficacy of these natural alternatives.

A comprehensive review of treasury management practices and their impact on corporate sustainability in emerging economies: Strategic insights from the oil and gas sector

Treasury management practices are critical for ensuring financial stability and fostering corporate sustainability, particularly in the volatile oil and gas sector of emerging economies. This comprehensive review examines the relationship between treasury management practices and corporate sustainability, focusing on strategic insights that can be drawn from the oil and gas industry. The review highlights the importance of effective cash management, risk assessment, and liquidity optimization as key components of successful treasury operations. The study categorizes treasury management practices into several essential areas, including cash flow forecasting, working capital management, investment strategies, and risk management frameworks. Each category is analyzed concerning its contribution to corporate sustainability, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that aligns financial objectives with environmental and social considerations. The findings indicate that robust treasury management practices can significantly enhance operational resilience, improve resource allocation, and support long-term sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, the review discusses the challenges faced by oil and gas companies in emerging economies, such as economic instability, regulatory uncertainty, and fluctuating commodity prices. These challenges necessitate the adoption of innovative treasury strategies that not only safeguard financial assets but also promote sustainable business practices. By integrating sustainability metrics into treasury decision-making, companies can better manage risks associated with environmental regulations and stakeholder expectations. Additionally, the role of technology in modernizing treasury management is examined, particularly in terms of digital tools and platforms that enhance data analysis and decision-making capabilities. The review underscores the potential for fintech solutions to streamline treasury operations and improve transparency, thereby contributing to enhanced corporate sustainability. In conclusion, this review provides strategic insights into the interplay between treasury management practices and corporate sustainability in the oil and gas sector of emerging economies. The insights presented herein are intended to guide industry practitioners in developing effective treasury strategies that foster sustainable growth while addressing the unique challenges of the emerging market context.

Enriched Diet With Orange Essential Oil Citrus sinensis for Tambaqui Colossoma macropomum Promotes Growth Performance and Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck essential oil on the growth, immune system, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Colossoma macropomum fingerlings. The experiment was conducted with five treatments (control diet, Tween80 diet, and diets supplemented with 200, 400, and 800 mg L-1 of C. sinensis essential oil) with four replicates. At the end of the experimental period, growth parameters were measured, and blood samples were collected for thrombogram, leukogram, and phagocytic activity analysis. A bacterial challenge with A. hydrophila was conducted for 96 h. C. macropomum fingerlings that were fed with 400 and 800 mg L-1 of C. sinensis essential oil had the highest growth parameters, with final weights of 533.18 ± 2.03 mg and 531.91 ± 2.67 mg, respectively, and an increase in the number of thrombocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils, as well as higher phagocytosis rates compared to the control group. Regarding the challenge, fish in the 400 and 800 mg L-1 treatments also exhibited the lowest cumulative mortality rate (26.66% ± 3.33%). Therefore, supplementation with C. sinensis essential oil promotes growth, improves health, and enhances resistance to A. hydrophila in C. macropomum fingerlings.

Metabolic Effects of Cinnamon Essential Oil Nanoemulsion in Reducing the Level of Potato Soft Rot

Metabolic Effects of Cinnamon Essential Oil Nanoemulsion in Reducing the Level of Potato Soft Rot

Optimizing the extraction of essential oil yield from Pistacia lentiscus oleo-gum resin by superheated steam extraction using response surface methodology

Pistacia lentiscus L. is an aromatic plant containing a significant percentage of essential oil (EO) used in fragrance, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industry. The purpose of this work is focused on the optimization of Pistacia lentiscus L. oleo gum resin EO yield extracted by superheated steam extraction (SHSE) by response surface methodology, including extraction parameters of particle size (0. 5 − 1 mm), temperature (140–180 °C) and time (90–150 min). The optimum conditions for Pistacia lentiscus L. EO extracted by SHSE were found to be (particle size: 0.75 mm, time: 120 min and temperature: 160 ℃) which produced the highest EO yield of 5.7%. A regression model was developed, demonstrating a robust quadratic correlation with an R2 value of 0.9991, making it suitable for predictions. Furthermore, the yield of Pistacia lentiscus L. EO extracted by SHSE was compared with the conventional steam and hydro distillation techniques. The study revealed that SHSE yielded higher quantities of EO than other extraction methods. GC-MS analyzed the chemical composition of Pistacia lentiscus L. EO. The predominant compound of Pistacia lentiscus L. EO was determined to be α-pinene, while the other identified compounds include trans-verbenol, verbenol, cis-verbenone, camphene, β-myrcene, d-limonene, cymene, α-myrtenol, α-campholenal, α-copaene, and α-thujene, whose content differed according to different extraction techniques. Overall, superheated steam extraction is an efficient technique for extracting Pistacia lentiscus L. essential oil that enhances EO yield, requiring less time for extraction.

Essential oils of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) as an alternative for the control of pesticide-resistant Fusarium spp. in quinoa seeds.

The phytopathogenic genus Fusarium can cause damage such as root and stem rot in economically important crops, with significant implications. To seek a sustainable method for controlling this phytopathogen in seeds, the antifungal activity of essential oils (EOs) from thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) was evaluated against isolates of F. graminearum, F. equiseti, F. culmorum and F. oxysporum originating from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) crops in the Boyacá (Colombia). Initially, the effectiveness of commercial fungicides against the mentioned phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated. Upon verifying that these isolates exhibited high resistance to these compounds, the EOs were assessed as a potential control alternative. A disk diffusion assay demonstrated complete in vitro inhibition of the growth of the evaluated phytopathogens when undiluted EOs were used. Subsequently, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of these oils was determined using the agar well diffusion technique, revealing a MIC of 10 and 1 μL mL-1 for thyme and oregano oil, respectively. Following this, the antifungal activity of the EOs applied to quinoa seeds was evaluated, and germination indices were measured as an indirect indicator of their toxicity. Despite both EOs successfully inhibiting microbial growth in the seeds, it was also found that thyme EO at 100 μL mL-1 and oregano EO at 10 μL mL-1 inhibited seed emergence and germination. However, lower concentrations exhibited a reduction in fungal population without affecting these germination indices. Therefore, it is suggested that the use of these compounds has potential in the treatment and disinfection of quinoa seeds. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Oldenlandia diffusa(Willd.) Roxb. Essential Oil from Assam, India: GC-MS Analysis and Anticancer Activity

In this study essential oil from Oldenlandia diffusa (aerial parts) was extracted using hydrodistillation method. Characterization of the essential oil was done by using GC-MS analysis and identified 71 compounds. Pentacosane (13.29%), hexacosane (11.59%), tetracosane (11.18%), heptacosane (9.76%),tricosane (6.90%), phytol (5.71%), hexatriacontane (4.87%) and isophytol (4.69%) were the major compounds constituting the oil. Further, cytotoxicity of the extracted oil was observed against PA1 (Ovarian), MIAPaCa-2 (Pancreatic), A549 (Lung), MCF7 (Breast), HeLa (Cervical), HepG2 (Liver), PC-3 (Prostatic), MDA-MB-231 (Breast) cell lines. The oil exhibited dose and time dependent inhibition effects against the cancer cell lines. Best inhibition activity was observed against PA1, HeLa and PC-3 cancer cell lines. The IC50 values ranged from 24.19±0.837 - 3.12±0.126 µg/mL in PA1 cells, 51.87±3.104 - 28.95±0.76 µg/mL in HeLa cells and 52.92±1.233 - 14.62±0.465 µg/mL in PC-3 cells at 24, 48 and 72h. From the experiments, it was clear that essential oil of Oldenlandia diffusa should be further explored as an anticancer agent for developing medicinal drug.

Varying levels of natural light intensity affect the phyto-biochemical compounds, antioxidant indices and genes involved in the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway of Origanum majorana L.

BackgroundLight is a critical environmental factor in plants, encompassing two vital aspects: intensity and quality. To assess the influence of different light intensities on Origanum majorana L., pots containing the herb were subjected to four levels of light intensity: 20, 50, 70, and 100% natural light. After a 60-day treatment period, the plants were evaluated for metabolite production, including total sugar content, protein, dry weight, antioxidant indices, expression of monoterpenes biosynthesis genes, and essential oil compounds. The experimental design followed a randomized complete blocks format, and statistical analysis of variance was conducted.ResultsThe results indicated a correlation between increased light intensity and elevated total sugar and protein content, which contributed to improved plant dry weight. The highest levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed under 100% light intensity. Catalase and superoxide dismutase enzymes exhibited increased activity, with a 4.23-fold and 2.14-fold increase, respectively, under full light. In contrast, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activities decreased by 3.29-fold and 3.24-fold, respectively. As light intensity increases, the expression level of the 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) gene increases. However, beyond a light intensity of 70%, the DXR gene expression level decreased. Furthermore, the expression levels of the cytochrome P450 genes CYP71D178 and CYP71D179 exhibited an increasing trend in response to elevated light intensity. Essential oil content increased from 0.02 to 0.5% until reaching 70% light intensity. However, with further increases in light intensity, the essential oil content decreased by 54 to 0.23%.ConclusionsThese findings emphasize the importance of balancing plant growth promotion and stress management under different light conditions. The research suggests that sweet marjoram plants thrive best in unshaded open spaces, resulting in maximum biomass. However, essential oil production decreases under the same conditions. For farmers in areas with an average light intensity of approximately 1700 µmol m−2s−1, it is recommended to cultivate sweet marjoram in shade-free fields to optimize biomass and essential oil production. Towards the end of the growth cycle, it is advisable to use shades that allow 70% of light to pass through. The specific duration of shade implementation can be further explored in future research.

Larvicidal properties of essential oils of three Artemisia species against the chemically insecticide-resistant Nile fever vector Culex pipiens (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae): In vitro and in silico studies

Abstract The objective of this study is to determine the larvicidal activity of essential oils (EOs) extracted from three plants of the genus Artemisia against the mosquito Culex pipiens (C. pipiens) using in vitro and in silico studies. A total number of 20 third- and fourth-instar larvae were exposed to various concentrations of the three plants. The LC50 and LC90 values of the tested Artemisia EOs were determined using Probit analysis. In addition, the sensitivity of C. pipiens to these EOs was determined and compared against a standard insecticide, temephos, under laboratory conditions. Furthermore, in silico assessments were carried out on the major constituents to help understand and explain the acquired in vivo results. Gas chromatography analysis identified the major compounds as d-limonene and β-pinene for Artemisia flahaultii, camphor and borneol for Artemisia. aragonensis, and artemisia ketone and caryophyllene for Artemisia annua. A. flahaultii oil showed the highest efficacy against C. pipiens larvae, followed by A. annua oil with average larvicidal activity. In contrast, A. aragonensis EO, composed of a high percentage of monoterpenes, was the least active. Docking simulation indicated that several studied ligands had promising binding scores within the receptor’s binding site compared to the reference insecticide temephos. The obtained results allow us to conclude that A. flahaultii, a species endemic to Morocco, is an excellent means of controlling C. pipiens.

Antioxidant Capacity of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Essential Oil and Its Effect on In Vivo Fertility of Rams Subjected to Testicle Heat Stress.

The detrimental effects of hyperthermia on the testes and the protective effect of thyme essential oil against testicular damage induced by this stress in rams were studied. Twenty-four rams of the Barbarine breed with an average weight of 62.5 ± 0.3 kg and an average age of 24 ± 0.6 months. The experiment consisted of inducing localized heat stress on the first group of rams by applying heat bags to both testicles of six rams (G s). The second group underwent the same heat stress on the testes but received orally 100 µL/day/animal of thyme essential oil (G s-he). A positive control did not undergo stress but received thyme essential oil (G he) with the same doses as the (G s-he) group, and the negative control did not undergo either stress or receive the essential oil of thyme (G c). One hundred twenty-eight adult ewes of the same breed divided into four groups of 32 ewes were used to study the effect of different treatments on the in vivo ram's fertility. Ewes are synchronized and we have applied natural mating with oestrus control, the reproduction balance sheet is calculated after lambing. The results showed that tests of heat stress (HS) negatively affect semen quality but did not cause infertility. However, neither tests for heat stress nor treatment with thyme EO significantly affected the haematological profile. The study of the effect of heat stress on the testes on fertility in vivo showed a drop in the number of females who were fertilized at the first oestrus and consequently a drop in fertility. However, the rams that suffered the same stress but were treated with EO thymus recorded an improvement in these parameters.

A Synergistic Interaction Between Citrus Hystrix Peel Essential Oil and Tetracycline and Evaluation of their Antibacterial Mechanism of Action in Vitro and in Silico Against Escherichia Coli.

Citrus hystrix essential oil (CHEO) have shown various pharmacological properties including antibacterial activity. This EO also possessed antibacterial effect against foodborne pathogens. There is less information available about the synergy interaction between CHEO and tetracycline, as well as their mechanism of action. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effect of CHEO and tetracycline against clinical isolate of Escherichia coli. Antibiofilm, bacteriolytic, and efflux pump inhibitor activities were also performed. The chemical composition of CHEO was analysed using GC-MS. Three major compounds, D-limonene (25.02 %), β-pinene (23.37 %), and β-sabinene (22.20 %) were identified. CHEO exhibited moderate antibacterial activity with MIC value of 250 μg/mL. The combination of CHEO (7.8 μg/mL) and tetracycline (62.5 μg/mL) produced a synergistic effect on E. coli with fractional inhibitory concentration index of 0.5. This mixture inhibited biofilm formation in E. coli. The combination of 7.8 μg/mL CHEO and 62.5 μg/mL tetracycline demonstrated bacteriolytic activity. In addition, the CHEO at 250 μg/mL showed a significant effect in inhibiting efflux pump. D-limonene has a binding free energy value of -20.13 kcal/mol with ompA transmembrane domain of E. coli. This finding indicates that CHEO has a potency to be developed as natural antibacterial against E. coli.

Metabolites Obtained from Boraginaceae Plants as Potential Cosmetic Ingredients—A Review

One of the challenges of the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries is to deliver biochemical compounds that can be advantageous for the skin. Research on Boraginaceae taxa has confirmed their use in traditional medicine and proved the potential biological importance of various molecules in cosmetology. The main classes of valuable compounds associated with Boraginaceae taxa are fatty acids, including γ-linolenic acid, essential oils, phenolic acids (e.g., rosmarinic acid), flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and saponins. Highly specific are naphthoquinone pigments (including shikonin) and allantoin. Another distinguishing feature is the accumulation of silica (silicon dioxide) in trichomes. Some taxa produce mucilages. However, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) with toxic properties are also found (mainly in Symphytum spp.); therefore, their applications should be avoided. Extracts or individual compounds of Boraginaceae plants are characterized by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-irritant, antiaging, and photoprotective activities. Boraginaceae products are widespread in the cosmetic industry as ingredients of creams, balms, lotions, gels, shampoos, lipsticks, perfumes, and deodorants. The most valuable for the cosmetic industry are raw materials obtained from the genera Alcanna Anchusa, Arnebia, Borago, Buglossoides, Cerinthe, Cordia, Echium, Ehretia, Eriodictyon, Glendora, Lappula, Lithospermum, Lycopsis, Macrotomia, Maharanga, Mertensia, Messerschmidia, Myosotis, Omphalodes, Onosma, Pulmonaria, Rindera, Symphytum, Trachystemon, and Trigonotis. Further research should focus on the search for active substances in other plants of the family.

Hydroponic Cultivation of Spices and Aromatics: Techniques, Benefits and Challenges

The global shift towards urbanization, with 55% of the population residing in urban areas and an anticipated rise to 68% by 2050, presents challenges to traditional farming. The increasing world population, further intensifies the strain on available agricultural land due to urban expansion. Climate change combines with these issues, make conventional cultivation more challenging. Alternative agricultural practices, such as hydroponics, gain significance in addressing these concerns. Aromatic and spices have been used for centuries for their medicinal and culinary properties. They contain various essential oils, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals responsible for their distinctive flavour and aroma, as well as their health benefits. The rising global demand for natural products from herbs and spices has led to its market growth. Hydroponics, a technology for cultivating plants in nutrient solutions with or without an artificial medium such as sand, gravel, vermiculite, rockwool, peat moss, coir or sawdust, offers a promising solution. This paper explores the potential of hydroponic cultivation for planting material production, enhancing the yield, nutritional composition, essential oil content and medicinal properties of various spice and aromatic crops, including black pepper, saffron, ginger, garlic, coriander, mint, celery, fenugreek, parsley, thyme, rosemary, green mustard, basil and others. The main challenges in hydroponic production of these crops include high initial investment, precise monitoring and lack of technical knowledge. Hence by reviewing recent literature, this paper aims to provide insights into the classification of hydroponics and its different techniques, benefits and challenges of hydroponic cultivation, various growing media and nutrient solutions used, types of hydroponics utilized and their purposes in the production of diverse herbs and spices. Embracing hydroponic techniques could contribute to sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in urbanized environments where traditional farming faces constraints.

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) Act as Nanoelicitors in Melissa officinalis to Enhance the Production of Some Important Phenolic Compounds and Essential Oils

ABSTRACTNanoparticles (NPs) are well‐known biostimulants in plant biotechnology, utilised to enhance the physical properties of plants and exhibit positive effects on them. The important key role is the most suitable type, effective dose and size of NP to be used in plant tissue culture systems. In this study, various concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg L−1) were tested as elicitors in callus culture with the aim of enhancing secondary metabolite production in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). According to the results obtained, callus formation rates have shown an increase in all applications compared to the control group. The highest callus formation, weight and diameter were observed in 50 μg L−1 application. In this application, the callus structure was compact and its colour was green. However, the aromatic compounds, neral and geranial increased significantly in 25 μg L−1 application. The maximum increase in phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, proto‐catechic acid, hesperidin and p‐coumaric acid was observed in the 75 μg L−1 AgNP and the highest increase in rosmarinic acid compound was determined in the 50 μg L−1 application. The study found that AgNP applications are an effective method for increasing the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants, such as lemon balm, in vitro.