Essential Oil Yield Research Articles

Optimization of Red Ginger (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) Extraction Using Microwave Assisted Hydrodistillation Method

Red ginger is a spice plant that has high economic and social value. One of the uses of red ginger is to process it into a product, namely essential oil. This study aims to determine the optimization of the extraction process conditions on solvent volume, time, and extraction power that can produce optimum yield and residual content of red ginger essential oil solvent. The extraction was carried out with the help of microwaves. The research method is experimental design and optimization process with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) type Box-Behnken Design (BBD). The results showed that the optimum yield was at 700 mL solvent volume, 1 min extraction time, and 10% power (69.9 watts) with the equation Y = 0.2076 + 0.0262A – 0.0300B – 0.0013C and the concentration conditions the optimum remaining solvent with the equation Y = 4.98 – 1.0000A + 4.56B + 5.44C. The optimal yield of red ginger essential oil was 0.205%, with a residual solvent content of 3.8%, specific gravity 0.885, acid number 1.399, refractive index 1.485. The results of the optimum residual solvent content of -6.023%. Based on the results obtained, the yield value with the help of microwaves is higher than that without the help of microwaves. Keywords: Essential oil, Microwave, Residual solvent content, Response surface methodology (RSM), Yield.

Co-application of biochar and selenium nanoparticles improves yield and modifies fatty acid profile and essential oil composition of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) under cadmium toxicity.

Fatty acids and essential oils (EOs) are the primary variables that influence the quality of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Soil toxicity to cadmium (Cd) is the main environmental issue facing fennel, and priming methods like soil amendments and nanoparticles (NPs) are commonly utilized to deal with it. The goal of the current study was to examine the effects of biochar (BC) and selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) on fennel plants in Cd-contaminated soils. The pot experiment was conducted with Cd stress at 0, 10, and 20mgkg-1 soil, BC at 5% (v/v), and foliar-spraying Se NPs at 40mg L-1 as a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) at a greenhouse condition in 2022. The findings demonstrated that Cd toxicity significantly decreased plant performance, while BC and Se NPs enhanced it. Without BC and Se NPs, Cd toxicity at 20mgkg-1 soil decreased biological yield (39%), seed yield (37%), EO yield (32%), and monounsaturated fatty acids (14%), while increased saturated fatty acid (26%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (40%) of fennel. The main EO profile was anethole (65.32-73.25%), followed by limonene (16.12-22.07%), fenchone (5.57-6.83%), and estragole (2.25-3.65%), which mainly were oxygenated monoterpenes. The combined application of BC and Se NPs improved the yield, EO production, and fatty acid profile of fennel plants under Cd stress, increasing the plants' resistance to Cd toxicity.

Stability pattern and simultaneous selection for the stable essential oil-yielding genotypes of basil

Basil leaves are used to make a tea that promises to assist with vomiting, rheumatic pain, and loose motions. It includes a high concentration of antioxidants, which may increase longevity and health. The current study aims to assess the consistency, stability, and recommendations for producing essential oils from commercial genotypes and cultivars. To investigate genotype stability, field experiments were conducted in a semi-arid tropical climate in an RBD and replicated three times over three years in 2017, 2018, and 2019, at the CIMAP, RC, Hyderabad, south India. Each of the thirteen economic variables exhibited substantial diversity. In a three-year experiment, the stability of 20 basil genotypes was studied. There have been very few studies on the genotype and environmental interactions, stability, and diversity of basil. Nonetheless, no simultaneous assessments, stability, or reliability analyses have been performed in a multi-environment essential oil yield study on basil. According to the AMMI model, genotypes OC-6 and 8 for oil yield and OC-6 and 10 for linalool (%) were the most adaptable and stable varieties because they could withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. This leads to the conclusion that the most stable genotypes for linalool content (%) and essential oil production are OC-6, OC-8, and OC-10, all of which provide excellent yields. As a result, it is suggested that these genotypes and cultivars be commercialized.

Industrial Distillation Fractions of Garlic Essential Oil, Design, Synthesis, and Antifungal Activity Evaluation of Aliphatic Substituted Trisulfide Derivatives.

Garlic oil has a wide range of biological activities, and its broad-spectrum activity against phytopathogenic fungi still has the potential to be explored. In this study, enzymatic treatment of garlic resulted in an increase of approximately 50 % in the yield of essential oil, a feasible GC-MS analytical program for garlic oil was provided. Vacuum fractionation of the volatile oil and determination of its inhibitory activity against 10 fungi demonstrated that garlic oil has good antifungal activity. The antifungal activity levels were ranked as diallyl trisulfide (S-3)>diallyl disulfide (S-2)>diallyl monosulfide (S-1), with an EC50 value of S-3 against Botrytis cinerea reached 8.16 mg/L. Following the structural modification of compound S-3, a series of derivatives, including compounds S-4~7, were synthesized and screened for their antifungal activity. The findings unequivocally demonstrated that the compound dimethyl trisulfide (S-4) exhibited exceptional antifungal activity. The EC50 of S-4 against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum reached 6.83 mg/L. SEM, In vivo experiments, and changes in mycelial nucleic acids, soluble proteins and soluble sugar leakage further confirmed its antifungal activity. The study indicated that the trisulfide bond structure was the key to good antifungal activity, which can be developed into a new type of green plant-derived fungicide for plant protection.

Variability of the component composition of the essential oil of <i>Artemisia salsoloides</i> Willd. from natural populations of the flora of Dagestan

To study the variability of the gathering locality and componen t composition of essential oil from the aerial part of a little‐studied species – Artemisia salsoloides Willd. depending on abiotic environmental factors, such as height above the level of the place of growth. Aerial parts of A. salsoloides were collected during the flowering phase in four Dagestan natural populations to obtain essential oil using the Clevenger method. To determine the component composition of the samples obtained of essential oils of A. salsoloides, chromatography‐mass spectrometric analysis was used. The components were identified using the NIST08 and FFNSC mass spectral libraries. In total, 55 compounds were identified in the essential oil samples, where monoterpenoids account for 59.92 % – 75.98 % and sesquiterpenoids – for 23.24 % to 37.81 %. At the same time, 15 major compounds were identified. Thus, it should be noted that there was found to be a wide range of values for monoterpenoids: β‐pinene, trans‐β‐ocimene, cis‐alloocimene, benzene, 2,4‐pentadinyl, and among sesquiterpenoids – α‐copaene, β‐sesquiphilandrene, spathulenol. The quantitative yield of essential oil in the studied samples varied from 0.68 % to 1.36 % of airdried raw materials, depending on the growth location of the species. Four separate populations of A. salsoloides were identified by means of cluster analysis based on the component composition of the studied essential oils. For the first time, the composition of the essential oil of the aerial part of wild Dagestan samples of A. salsoloides was studied as depending on an abiotic factor (height above sea level) of the environment. The results obtained of the component composition of the essential oil of A. salsoloides samples showed the presence of a number of valuable compounds, which allow the use of essential oils as their sources.

Development and validation of an efficient approach for extracting essential oil, scutellarin, and rosmarinic acid from Perilla frutescens leaves using vacuum microwave-mediated rotary hydrodistillation and extraction in situ and a choline amino acid ionic liquid

In this study, an efficient vacuum microwave-mediated rotary hydrodistillation and extraction in situ (VMRHDE) device was used for extracting essential oil, scutellarin, and rosmarinic acid from Perilla frutescens leaves with choline amino acid ionic liquid solution. The extracted products were then analyzed through GC–MS and HPLC. The optimal parameters were determined through a Doehlert design matrix and desirability function, resulting in the use of 10 % choline glutamate ionic liquid ([Ch][Glu]), a liquid–solid ratio of 15 mL/g, a microwave irradiation time of 20 min, a microwave irradiation power of 540 W, and a rotary speed of 24 r/min. Under optimal operating conditions, the yields of essential oil, scutellarin, and rosmarinic acid were 0.41 % ± 0.02 %, 0.39 % ± 0.01 %, and 0.36 % ± 0.01 %, respectively. GC–MS analysis revealed that adding [Ch][Glu] significantly increased the content of perilla aldehyde and oxygenates in the essential oils. Methodological validation confirmed that the established method met the detection requirements, with recoveries of 99.20 % for scutellarin and 99.83 % for rosmarinic acid, demonstrating high accuracy. The linear relationship of scutellarin and rosmarinic acid was good in the concentration range, with R2 values of 0.9999 for both.

Chemical, physical, and biological evaluation of hydro-distilled essential oil from leaves of Ethiopian thymus species

ABSTRACT Physicochemical profile, phytochemical constituents, bioactivity, and thermal stability of the hydro-distilled essential oil (EO) for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus were investigated. EO yield for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus was 2.05± 0.09% and 1.2 ± 0.3% (w/w) respectively. The chemical profiles of the EO were analyzed using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometry).Twenty one (99.99 %) and Twenty (98.59%) EO components were identified from T. schimperi and T.serrulatus, respectively. The two stage mass losses, the first one (38%) was from 37°C to 164°C and (55%) from 46°C to 178°C for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus EO respectively and the second one was (11%) from 164°C to 220°C for T.schimperi and (8%) from 178°C to 223°C for T.Schimperi and T.serrulatus EO respectively were observed for TGA analysis.The essential oils in this study showed a strong antioxidant effect for different tests. IC50 value of 0.17 μg/mL on DPPH assay for both species; 73 ± 0.50 and 64 ± 3.4% inhibition for ABTS assay 4.6 ± 0.42 and 8.04 ± 0.9 mM Fe+2/mL percent in FRAP assay for T.schimperi and T.serrulatus respectively. Antimicrobial activities for both species EOs were investigated on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Streptococcus epidermidis. MIC values for E.coli and S.typhi were 0.5 and 1 μL/mL for T.schimperi, 2 and 4 μL/mL of T.serrulatus EO, for S.aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis were 0.2 and 4 μL/mL for T.schimperi, 2 and 0.5 μL/mL for T.serrulatus EO’s. MBC values for both E.coli and S.typhi were 2 μL/mL for T.schimperi and 4 μL/mL for T.serrulatus EO, While for S.aureus and Streptococcus epidermidis were 1 and 4 μl/ml for T.schimperi, 2 and 8 μL/mL for T.serrulatus EO.

Phytochemical analysis, post-harvest shade drying, and biological activities of Melaleuca linariifolia Sm. from foothills of Kumaun Himalayas, India

Melaleuca linariifolia Sm. (Genus: Melaleuca; Family: Myrtaceae) cultivated for its ornamental usages in the Kumaun Himalayan region of Uttarakhand is commercially known as flax-leaved paper bark tree. The present study analyzes the chemical variation of the essential oils obtained from aerial parts and flowers of M. linariifolia. The effect of post-harvest shade drying on the essential oil composition was also assessed in the study. Total of 16 compounds accounting for 94.2 % and 94.6 % were identified in the aerial parts and flowers essential oil, respectively. 1,8-Cineole (71.8 %–73.8 %) was identified as the predominant compound in both the studied essential oils followed by limonene (1.7 %–9.3 %) and α-terpineol (4.2 %–6.7 %). Moreover, the fresh aerial parts had 73.8% of 1,8-cineole content which increased up to 79.2% post-harvest drying. The study revealed oxygenated monoterpenes as the major class constituents with 1,8-cineole as the marker component ranging from 67.7 % to 79.2 % during the post drying analysis. While assessing the biological activities, the antioxidant activity of the oils was investigated in vitro using three assays: DPPH radical scavenging activity, Iron(II) complexing activity, and H2O2 radical scavenging activity. The oil also inhibited the activity of α-amylase with IC50 of 3.26 ± 0.04 μg/ml and protein denaturation with IC50 of 3.0 ± 0.03 g/ml. This is the first-time report of essential oil analysis of M. linariifolia flowers and post-harvest drying study from bhabar region of the Kumaun Himalayas. The high essential oil yield, rich chemical composition and biological activities suggest the cultivation of Melaleuca species as an industrial crop.

Profile and accumulation of essential oils from guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) accessions and hybrids

For guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray) to become a viable market option, it will be necessary to exploit not only the rubber and resin components, but also other high-value plant products such as essential oils (EOs). A detailed EO profiling study was conducted on 16 guayule accessions for first time, which revealed significant differences in EO yield and profile among them. Accession AZ-2 had the highest yield up to 0.9% (dry weight), followed by CFS18–2005, CAL-7, and CFS17–2005. These yields were comparable with those of aromatic plants used in the industry, providing valuable economic insights. The volatile EO composition of the accessions was unique and discriminating. Volatile sesquiterpenes were the most abundant compounds at the beginning of the flowering stage (S1-June sampling), while monoterpenes became more abundant as flowering progressed (S2-July and S3-August sampling). At S1, it was possible to distinguish between hybrid (mariola and non-mariola) and other accessions by the EO profile. By the end of the summer season (S3, August 2023), the EO volatile profile could more easily distinguish the accessions according to their genetic origin, enabling the separation of pure guayule accessions. The extraction of guayule EOs on an industrial scale (1.2 Mg fresh biomass) demonstrated high yield and consistency in terms of volatile profile, underscoring its potential for commercial exploitation.

Effects of varieties, pre-treatment and ultrasound assisted extraction on yields and characteristics of essential oils from young pomelo (Citrus Grandis L.) peels

Essential oils were extracted from two Vietnam local varieties of pomelo namely Citrus Grandis L. CV Nam Roi and Citrus Grandis L. CV Da Xanh. Storage methods by freezing or drying of young fruit peels affect the yield of extracted essential oils. The yield of essential oils obtained from Da Xanh variety was higher in Nam Roi variety. The extraction under ultrasound assisted condition increased the yield by two folds. The composition of volatile compounds in pomelo essential oils varied with different pomelo varieties and storage methods of the materials. The dominant compound in young peels essential oils Nam Roi, Da Xanh is limonene (55 – 90%). Nam Roi peels essential oils have antioxidant and antimicrobial activities (inhibition ability against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) higher than Da Xanh peels’ essential oils.

Phyto-pharmacological Evaluation of Pimenta dioica (Linn.) Merill, Essential oil for Anthelmintic and Antimicrobial potential

Pimenta dioica (Linn.) Merill., belongs to the family Myrtaceous, has been used as a spice and is well known for its culinary as well as medicinal values. The aim of the current study was to assess the in vitro antimicrobial, anthelmintic activity and phytochemical composition of the essential oil extracted from Pimenta dioica leaves. The extraction of essential oil was performed with the Clevenger apparatus, by hydro-distillation. Pimenta dioica essential oil yield was 1.03%. The GC-MS analysis of this Pimenta dioica essential oil showed that eugenol (74.72%) was the predominant component. The essential oil showed potent anthelmintic activity assay when analysed by the adult worm’s motility assay. It has shown a comparable paralysis and disintegration profile of the model organism to that of the standard drug albendazole. The essential oil was also found to be effective against common human pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Chromobacterium violaceum and Proteus vulgaris. It also showed moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. These results proved that Pimenta dioica essential oil could be used as a source of the lead molecule for developing novel anthelmintic or antimicrobial agents.

Improving nitrogen content in soil and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) yield by purple nonsulfur bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris in two consecutive seasons.

The study was conducted to assess the effects of nitrogen (N)-fixing purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) Rhodopseudomonas palustris TLS06, VNW02, VNW64, and VNS89 on soil fertility, N uptake, essential oil (EO) content, growth, and yield of lemon balm. The experiment followed a completely randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of (i) applying 100% N as the recommended fertilizer rate (RFR), (ii) applying 85% N as RFR, (iii) applying 70% N as RFR, (iv) applying 55% N as RFR, (v) the treatment ii combined with N-PNSB, (vi) the treatment iii combined with N-PNSB, (vii) the treatment iv combined with N-PNSB, (viii) 0% as RFR combined with N-PNSB, and (ix) 0% N as RFR. The results showed that applying N-PNSB increased the plant height, and the number of primary branches in both seasons. In addition, the treatment without N fertilizer combined with N-PNSB increased stem leaf biomass by 41.2 and 50.3% in both seasons as compared with the treatment without neither N fertilizer nor N-PNSB. For soil properties, among treatments without N fertilizer, the treatment with N-PNSB increased concentrations of NH4+, soluble P, and exchangeable K+ by 41.3, 41.4, and 26.8%, respectively, as compared with the treatment without N-PNSB at the end of the second season. Applying 85% N as RFR combined with N-PNSB had a greater yield by 5.78-11.8% as compared with the treatment with 100% N as RFR, and a greater EO content by 23% as compared with the treatment with 85% N as RFR.

Identification and variation analysis of the composition and content of essential oil and fragrance compounds in Phoebe zhennan wood at different tree ages.

Wood essential oil and wood products with special fragrances are high value-added forest products. Despite the availability of essential oil and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Phoebe zhennan wood, their variation and dependence on tree age have not been examined. After essential oil extraction and wood processing, the yields and compositions of essential oils and VOCs in wood from P. zhennan trees of different ages (10a, 30a, and 80a) were determined. The yield of essential oil from 30a wood was significantly greater than that from 10a and 80a wood. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 672 and 41 volatile compounds, respectively, in the essential oil and wood, the majority of which exhibited large fluctuations in relative content and composition depending on tree age. Sesquiterpenoids, fatty acids and conjugates may greatly contribute to the main components of essential oil from wood. Almost all major sesquiterpenoid compounds, such as caryophyllene α-oxide, eudesmo, and cubebene, were identified in the essential oils from the 30a and 80a wood, and their relative contents were much greater than those in the 10a wood. The main components of the wood fragrance were sesquiterpenoids. The types and relative contents of sesquiterpenoids from wood increased with tree age. These results suggest that choosing wood from trees of a suitable age will significantly improve the efficiency of wood utilization.

Comparative study of the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of the essential oils extracted from Lavandula abrialis and Lavandula stoechas: in vitro and in silico analysis.

This work aims to add value to the Lavandula genus by identifying the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of two species lavender from Oulmès in Morocco; Lavandula abrialis and Lavandula stoechas. The uniqueness lies in the integrated approach that combines in vitro and in silico analyses to assess the biological properties of the essential oils (EO). The objective of this study is to enhance the significance of the Lavandula genus by analyzing the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial effects of two lavender species found in Oulmès, Morocco: Lavandula abrialis and Lavandula stoechas. The distinctiveness is in the comprehensive methodology that merges in vitro and in silico investigations to evaluate the biological characteristics of the essential oils (EO). The extraction of essential oils (EO) by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of Lavandula abrialis gave a high yield of essential oils (2.9%) compared to Lavandula stoechas (2.3%). A GC-MS analysis of the chemical composition revealed 56 chemical compounds, with some variation in the predominant components, representing between 99.98% and 100% of the EOs of the studied lavenders. Their antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH test. This method revealed that L. stoechas EO has a higher percentage of free radical inhibition than L. abrialis. The IC50 values demonstrate that the antioxidant activity of ascorbic acid is higher (1.62g/mL) than the EOs of tested plants. Noteworthy, the EO of L. stoechas is more potent (12.94g/mL) than that of Lavandula tibialis (34.71g/mL). Regrading, the antibacterial tests, the EO of L. abrialis was particularly active against Staphylococcus aureus BLACT, which is inhibited at a concentration of 6.25g/mL, while L. stoechas EO has a strong effect on Escherichia coli, with a MIC of 1.56g/mL. Concerning the antifungal activity of the EOs, yeasts showed sensitivity toward EOs extracted from both L. tibialis and L. stoechas. Moreover, an in silico study was conducted targeting sarA protein of S. aureus (PDB ID: 2fnp) and NADPH oxidase from Lavandula sanfranciscensis (PDB: 2CDU) and results showed that Ishwarone and Selina-3,7 (11)-diene exhibited highest binding energy with -9.8 and -10.8kcal/mol respectively. Therefore, these two compounds could be used as an antibacterial and antioxidant agents however more experimental and molecular study should be required.

Simultaneous Impact of Rhizobacteria Inoculation and Leaf-Chewing Insect Herbivory on Essential Oil Production and VOC Emissions in Ocimum basilicum.

Inoculation with rhizobacteria and feeding by herbivores, two types of abiotic stress, have been shown to increase the production of secondary metabolites in plants as part of the defense response. This study explored the simultaneous effects of inoculation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03 (a PGPR species) and herbivory by third-instar Spodoptera frugiperda larvae on essential oil (EO) yield and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in Ocimum basilicum plants. The density of glandular trichomes was also examined, given that they are linked to EO production and VOC emission. Herbivory increased EO content, but inoculation on its own did not. When combined, however, the two treatments led to a 10-fold rise in EO content with respect to non-inoculated plants. VOC emissions did not significantly differ between inoculated and non-inoculated plants, but they doubled in plants chewed by the larvae with respect to their undamaged counterparts. Interestingly, no changes were observed in VOC emissions when the treatments were tested together. In short, the two biotic stressors elicited differing plant defense responses, mainly when EO was concerned. PGPR did not stimulate EO production, while herbivory significantly enhanced it and increased VOC emissions. The combined treatment acted synergistically, and in this case, PGPR inoculation may have had a priming effect that amplified plant response to herbivory. Peltate trichome density was higher in inoculated plants, those damaged by larvae, and those subjected to the combination of both treatments. The findings highlight the intricate nature of plant defense mechanisms against various stressors and hint at a potential strategy to produce essential oil through the combined application of the two stressors tested here.

Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. and Eucalyptus tetragona F.Muell

IntroductionEucalyptus plants are used as a source of essential oils in Ethiopia and are traditionally used for the treatment of the common cold, stomachache, swelling and wounds. This study aims to determine the chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of E. camaldulensis Dehn. and E. tetragona Muell. MethodologyThe chemical composition of the essential oils of E. camaldulensis Dehn. and E. tetragona F.Muell. was determined using gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GCMS), and their antibacterial activity of was evaluated against E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. ATCC 25923. ResultsThe yield of essential oil from the leaves of E. camaldulensis was 0.72% w/w, and the yield of essential oil from the leaves of E. tetragona was 0.80% w/w on the basis of fresh leaf weight. A total of 17 and 14 components were identified in E. camaldulensis and E. tetragona, respectively. The main components identified were 1,8-cineole, β-cymene and α–pinene in both Eucalyptus species analysed. The extracted essential oils displayed moderate to strong antibacterial activity. E. tetragona inhibited S. aureus at a lower concentration (0.625 μg/ml), while E. coli was less sensitive to the EOs of E. camaldulensis, with an MIC of 2.5 μg/ml. ConclusionThe essential oils of E. camaldulensis and E. tetragona exhibited significant antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The results showed that the essential oils of E. camaldulensis and E. tetragona may be useful for treating various infectious diseases. Essential oils, particularly 1,8-cineole, can be used as alternative natural antimicrobial agents in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Climate-induced changes in essential oil production and terpene composition in alpine aromatic plants

Alpine regions are biodiversity hotspots for endemic species with unique adaptations to harsh climatic conditions. These adaptations often involve specialized behaviours and metabolism including the production of secondary metabolites that protects plants from environmental stresses. This study examines the impacts of elevated CO2 (eCO2) and combined effects of elevated CO2 and temperature (eCO2+T) on two alpine aromatic herbs, namely Angelica glauca and Nardostachys jatamansi. These species were raised in open-top chambers (OTCs) and treated with elevated CO2 (600 ppm) and temperature (+2.0 °C from control) during 2018 to 2020. The primary (total soluble sugar, starch, total soluble protein, amino acid and proline contents), secondary metabolites (Phenolics, essential oil yield, and components using GC-MS) and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase) were measured. Total soluble sugar increased under eCO2, while starch content, total amino acid and total soluble protein initially increased but later declined in response to the treatments. Proline content and antioxidant activities were higher under eCO2 and eCO2+T treatments. Total phenolic content showed both increasing (in A. glauca) and decreasing (in N. jatamansi) responses to eCO2 and eCO2+T treatments. GC–MS analysis showed decreased monoterpenes in CO2 and temperature treatments, but some sesquiterpenes showed mixed responses with both increases and decreases. These findings suggest that changes in climate can alter the composition of secondary metabolites in alpine herbs, potentially affecting their therapeutic properties and suitability for use in herbal medicine. This study provides valuable insights into the species-specific physiological responses of plants to changing climate.

Laboratory evaluation of a bio-insecticide candidate from tangerine peel extracts against Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).

The excessive use of synthetic insecticides in modern agriculture has led to environmental contamination and the development of insect resistance. Also, the prolonged use of chemical insecticides in producing flowers and tomatoes in greenhouses has caused health problems for workers and their offspring. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of mandarin peel (Citrus reticulata L.) essential oil (EO) as a natural insecticide against greenhouse whitefly (Trieurodes vaporariorum W., Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), a common pest in greenhouse production of different crops. Petroleum ether (PET) and n-hexane (HEX) were used as solvents to extract essential oil (EO) from tangerine peels. The yield of EO was 1.59% and 2.00% (m/m) for PET and HEX, respectively. Additionally, the insect-killing power of EO was tested by checking how many greenhouse whiteflies died at different times. The results showed that PET and HEX extracts of tangerine EO effectively controlled greenhouse whiteflies. Furthermore, with both solvents, a 12.5% (v/v) application was as practical as the commercial insecticide imidacloprid. Further characterization tests with the polarimeter, FTIR, HPLC-RP, and GC-MS showed that the essential oil (EO) contained about 41% (v/v) of d-limonene and that this compound may be responsible for the observed insecticidal properties. Therefore, tangerine peel essential oil is an excellent botanical insecticide candidate for controlling greenhouse whiteflies.

Evaluation of seed yield, essential oil compositions, and fatty acid profiles in advanced fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) breeding populations

Metabolites derived from bitter fennel serve as flavoring and healing agents in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic sectors. Previously, we developed three fennel breeding populations (Early, Medium, and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars) with the potential to produce higher seed yield. This investigation aimed to assess the quality and quantity of the important metabolites in these three cultivars alongside their elite parental populations. Our results showed that the highest amounts of essential oil yield and seed yield were produced by, two breeding populations, Medium and Late Maturity Synthetic Cultivars. These cultivars showed positive seed yield heterosis rates of 28% and 20%, respectively, above the averages of their parental populations. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil samples identified 24 components in total. The major compounds in all genotypes were trans-anethole (34.09–77.84%), limonene (4.99–12.66%), methyl chavicol (1.35–38.69%), and fenchone (6–13.07%). The highest amount of trans-anethole belonged to Fasa and the Medium Maturity Synthetic with 77.84 % and 73.10%, respectively. The analysis of fatty acid compositions in the genotypes was conducted using GC-FID, which revealed the presence of 19 unique fatty acids, of which ten were saturated, and nine were unsaturated fatty acids. Petroselinic acid (67.11–78.44%), and linoleic acid (9.14–11.60%) were the major unsaturated fatty acids in fennel seeds. The Early Maturity Synthetic exhibited the least saturated fatty acid content (7.24%), while the highest levels of unsaturated fatty acids were found in both the Early Maturity Synthetic (89%) and Hashtgerd (88.55%). The genotypes were categorized into four groups using a heat map analysis with hierarchical clustering. Overall, the results showed that the three synthetic cultivars of fennel have outperformed the elite parental populations for seed and essential oil yields, concentration of the major industrial secondary metabolites such as trans-anethole, and higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids. These cultivars show potential for usage in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

Sequential Extraction and Characterization of Essential Oil, Flavonoids, and Pectin from Industrial Orange Waste.

Orange is one of the primary fruits processed into juice and other products worldwide, leading to a vast amount of waste accumulation. Such waste has been considered as an attractive candidate for upcycling to obtain bioactive components remaining. The present study investigated the extraction of essential oil (EO), flavonoids, and pectin from industrial orange waste with a holistic approach. To maximize EO yield and d-limonene concentration, hydrodistillation (HD) conditions were selected to be 5.5 mL water/g solid for 180 min. Remaining solids were further used for flavonoid extraction where conventional solvent, sequential ultrasound + solvent, and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UE) were applied. UE applied for 50 min with 120 mL solvent/g solid yielded the highest total phenolic (TPCs) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs), antioxidant capacity, and hesperidin and neohesperidin concentrations. In terms of TPC, TFC, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity, both EO and flavonoid fractions demonstrated moderate to high bioactivity. At the final step, ethanol precipitation was applied to obtain the pectin that was solubilized in hot water during HD and it was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, degree of esterification, and galacturonic acid content. Practical application: to ensure utilization in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, this study presents a combined method to obtain several value-added compounds from industrial orange waste. Bioactive EO and flavonoids obtained could have applications in functional food, supplements, or cosmetic formulations, whereas extracted pectin can be used in many formulated foods and drugs.