Editorial

5 pages, 695 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Medicinal, Aromatic, and Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity, and Their Processing Innovation

by Ivan Salamon

Horticulturae 2024, 10(3), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10030280 - 15 Mar 2024

Viewed by 647

For centuries, drugs were entirely of natural origin, composed of herbs, animal products, and inorganic materials [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 5950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Selected Biotopes of Juniperus communis L. in Slovakia and Their Chemotype Determination

by Ivan Salamon, Pavol Otepka, Maryna Kryvtsova, Oleh Kolesnyk and Myroslava Hrytsyna

Horticulturae 2023, 9(6), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9060686 - 09 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1067

Abstract

The objective of this work was to map population of common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) in the territory of Slovak Republic. Common juniper is not protected by Slovakian law or the authorities; therefore, there is no law to preserve these plant populations. [...] Read more.

The objective of this work was to map population of common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) in the territory of Slovak Republic. Common juniper is not protected by Slovakian law or the authorities; therefore, there is no law to preserve these plant populations. Biotopes of common juniper consist of light- to heavy-density trees and shrubs. The expansion of its habitat is also connected to human involvement. The loss of juniper naturally in observed plants is caused by a change in land use, loss of feeding pastures for cattle and sheep, and eutrophication of the environment. The current study was focused on monitoring the population of this plant species in the years of 2018–2020, the isolation of essential oils, and the identification of qualitative and quantitative characteristics. It was confirmed that juniper berries usually contain from 0.5 ± 0.05 to 1.8 ± 0.06%, usually 1.2 ± 0.16%, volatile oil depending on geography, altitude, ripeness, and other factors. Volatile oil is made up mostly of monoterpenes, mainly α-pinene (from 37.60 ± 2.23 to 61.00 ± 0.60%), β-myrcene (from 8.03 ± 2.02 to 10.56 ± 0.05%), and sabinene (from 3.50 ± 0.30 to 22.0 ± 0.96%). The dendrogram was constructed after a hierarchical cluster analysis based on the essential oil substances, which showed four different confirmed chemotypes. The essential oil is widely used in medicines, perfumes, insect repellents, insecticides, shoe polish, and in microscopy as a clearing agent of an immersion oil. The quality and chemotypes of juniper berries are very important for the Slovak national beverage “Borovicka” and the distillery industry on a whole in this country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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11 pages, 8791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Elucidating the Anatomical Features, Adaptive and Ecological Significance of Kopsia fruticosa Roxb. (Apocynaceae)

by Shakti Nath Tripathi, Manju Sahney, Arpita Tripathi, Praveen Pandey, Hanuman Singh Jatav, Tatiana Minkina and Vishnu D. Rajput

Horticulturae 2023, 9(3), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9030387 - 16 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2006

Abstract

Anatomical characteristics play a pivotal role in understanding the evolutionary relationship among various plant taxa and identifying species of pharmacological importance. Though the anatomical features of the family Apocynaceae have been widely recognized, there is limited research on the stem wood anatomy of [...] Read more.

Anatomical characteristics play a pivotal role in understanding the evolutionary relationship among various plant taxa and identifying species of pharmacological importance. Though the anatomical features of the family Apocynaceae have been widely recognized, there is limited research on the stem wood anatomy of Kopsia fruticosa, whereas nothing was previously known about its root wood anatomy. The present work describes and analyses its anatomy and correlates the anatomical features with the habitat and ecology of this plant. The oval shape of the young stem and the presence of unicellular trichomes, stone cells in the pith region, laticiferous canals, calcium oxalate crystals, and vascular bundles of two different sizes, viz., smaller in the broad, flattened region and more prominent on the two narrow sides, are remarkable features of the plant, which collectively may often be helpful in distinguishing K. fruticosa from other species of this genus. Apart from the previously known qualitative characteristics of the family Apocynaceae, the coalescence of pit aperture and storied pattern of vessels of K. fruticosa are newly observed features of the subfamily Rauvofiòideae. On the other hand, in the root wood, vessels are wider (33–64 μm), less frequent (about 53% more in the stem), and shorter, and the rays are larger (21–46 cells in height) and more frequent than those of stem wood; these are the valuable findings which strongly support the non-climbing nature of the studied plant. The vulnerability and mesomorphy indices for stem wood are 0.914 and 349, respectively, indicating plants’ adaptation toward a mesic habitat. The correlation of the anatomical traits of plants with the habitat and ecology represents their survivability in different situations. Consequently, anatomical features such as intraxylary phloem, vessel grouping, the storied pattern of vessels, the simple perforation plate, and intervascular vestured pits suggest that plants can tolerate drought. We firmly believe that the present study’s outcome can fulfil the research gaps of this hardy plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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12 pages, 1508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Immobilization of Pb in Contaminated Soils with the Combination Use of Diammonium Phosphate with Organic and Inorganic Amendments

by Simona M. Popescu, Valtcho D. Zheljazkov, Tess Astatkie, Marian Burducea and Walter C. Termeer

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020278 - 18 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1207

Abstract

The intensive use of lead (Pb)-based insecticides (lead arsenate, PbHAsO₄) has led to Pb accumulation in agricultural soil, endangering human health through the possibility of transferring it to the food chain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential [...] Read more.

The intensive use of lead (Pb)-based insecticides (lead arsenate, PbHAsO₄) has led to Pb accumulation in agricultural soil, endangering human health through the possibility of transferring it to the food chain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for the immobilization of Pb in the soil by applying organic (sludge, biocompost, yard compost, and peat) and inorganic (bonemeal, zeolite, lime, and wood ash) amendments, in combination with diammonium phosphate (DAP) in a greenhouse experiment. Two amendment rates were used: low and high, and three rates of DAP: 0 (zero), low (0.25 g of DAP/kg soil), and high (1.25 g DAP/kg soil). The results showed that the dry yield of carrot (Daucus carota susp. sativus) was the highest for the organic amendments in combination with the low rate of DAP. The high rate of inorganic amendments also increased the yield. Applications of inorganic bonemeal, inorganic lime, and inorganic wood ash yielded the lowest Pb tissue concentration (TC), and organic peat had the highest Pb TC. Inorganic bonemeal combined with DAP most effectively immobilized Pb in soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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17 pages, 1927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Satureja montana L. Cultivated under Polypropylene Woven Fabric on Clay-Textured Soil in Dry Farming Conditions

by Snežana Mrđan, Tatjana Marković, Tihomir Predić, Ana Dragumilo, Vladimir Filipović, Željana Prijić, Milan Lukić and Dragoja Radanović

Horticulturae 2023, 9(2), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020147 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1335

Abstract

During a five-year field trial established with Satureja montana L. under polypropylene woven fabric (PPWF) on clay-textured soil in dry farming conditions in South Banat, Serbia, the influence of a single basal application of compost and mineral fertilizers at different planting densities (3.6 [...] Read more.

During a five-year field trial established with Satureja montana L. under polypropylene woven fabric (PPWF) on clay-textured soil in dry farming conditions in South Banat, Serbia, the influence of a single basal application of compost and mineral fertilizers at different planting densities (3.6 and 5 plants m⁻²) on the yield was investigated. Single-dose fertilization positively influenced the yields of S. montana in both applied fertilization models. In the third production year, the dry herb yield achieved by applying organic fertilizers in dense cultivation (1016 g m⁻¹) was comparable with that obtained in the mineral plot (961 g m⁻¹). Furthermore, the plants were optimally supplied with N, P, and K macronutrients, with equal amounts removed by yield, in both tested fertilization plots. The use of PPWF proved beneficial to cultivated plants in terms of water-use efficiency and weed suppression. However, severe yield loss was observed in the fourth and fifth production years as a result of the extreme rainfall conditions; the excess moisture retained by PPWF applied to heavy clay soil favored the development of soil-borne pathogens. Other mulch materials should be further investigated for the production of S. montana on heavy clay soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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Graphical abstract

13 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Essential Oil Content and Composition of the Chamomile Inflorescences (Matricaria recutita L.) Belonging to Central Albania

by Ivan Salamon, Alban Ibraliu and Maryna Kryvtsova

Horticulturae 2023, 9(1), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010047 - 02 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3023

Abstract

The chamomile drug (Chamomillae anthodium) is widely known and has been used as a medicine for ages. Today, the drug is officially registered in the European Pharmacopoeia. Despite the economic importance of the chamomile Matricaria recutita L., little is known about [...] Read more.

The chamomile drug (Chamomillae anthodium) is widely known and has been used as a medicine for ages. Today, the drug is officially registered in the European Pharmacopoeia. Despite the economic importance of the chamomile Matricaria recutita L., little is known about the extent and nature of the essential oil variability and composition of this species in Albania. Therefore, information about the extent of the uses of various gene pools is extremely valuable for the development of future chamomile cultivation and breeding programs. This study aimed to analyze the differences among 29 populations in different sites in central Albania. The quantities of essential oils ranged from a low of 0.10 ± 0.01% in Fier and Tirana to a high of 0.75 ± 0.05% in Linzȅ. The yield of volatile oils depended on the geography, altitude, and other factors, including stress influences on the site of plant population growth. This fact was confirmed by various subclimatic characteristics obtained from individual localities. Essential oil extracted from chamomile inflorescences was recorded to have between 23 and 43 chemical components. It was found that /-/-α-bisabololoxides B and A were the major constituents in 25 samples, with only 4 having dominant /-/-α-bisabolol. The uniquely determined chemical type of the chamomile wild populations in Albania was chemical type B (/-/-α-bisabololoxide B > /-/-α-bisabololoxide A > /-/-α-bisabolol). Based on the study of chamomile’s pharmacodynamic properties, the sesquiterpenes /-/-α-bisabolol and chamazulene are considered to be the most valuable constituents. Consequently, a very intensive improvement breeding program must begin, with emphasis on drug yield, polyploidization, essential oil quantity, and both component contents in the oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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16 pages, 8896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemotypes of Species of the Genus Thymus L. in Carpathians Region of Ukraine—Their Essential Oil Qualitative and Quantitative Characteristics and Antimicrobial Activity

by Maryna Kryvtsova, Myroslava Hrytsyna, Ivan Salamon, Maria Skybitska and Olha Novykevuch

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121218 - 19 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1703

Abstract

The study of the R&D in this paper is to determine the range of essential oils (EOs) in the raw materials of species of the genus Thymus of the natural flora in the Carpathian region and their antimicrobial activity. It was found that [...] Read more.

The study of the R&D in this paper is to determine the range of essential oils (EOs) in the raw materials of species of the genus Thymus of the natural flora in the Carpathian region and their antimicrobial activity. It was found that the component range of EO in species of the genus Thymus depends on the microclimatic conditions of the population. The range of essential oils in the raw material of Th. Serpyllum and Th. Pulegoides is 7–9 mL and Th. Marschallianus is 3.5 mL. The research found that the plants Th. Serpyllum and Th. Pulegoides that grow in sunny habitats have an aromatic mono- and bicyclic monoterpenoid chemotype (K/α-T-neol/ G/p-C/B), with total dominance of carvacrol and p-cymene. The populations of Th. Serpyllum, which grow on the edges of sparse pine forests, and populations of Th. Pullegioide, with denser plant cover and which grow in meadows, have an acyclic and bicyclic monoterpene chemotype (G/α-T-neol/B/K). Plants that grow in the communities of meadow-steppe vegetation have the following chemotypes: Th. Serpyllum—L/K/G with 63% of linalool, Th. Pullegioides—G/α-T-neol/L/B, and Th. Marschallianus—α-T-neol/K/L/α-T-nen/G/B. Of these, the dominant chemotypes are α-terpineol and carvacrol (28:6.5%). A wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity was registered in samples of Th. Pullegoides and Th. Serpyllum that have an aromatic-monoterpenoid chemotype. Essential oils of Th. Pullegoides were dominated by carvacrol, and p-cymene had the highest fungicidal action (41.00 ± 1.0%). Plant populations of Th. Pullegoides and Th. Serpyllum with the aromatic-monoterpenoid chemotype are suggested by R&D to be of use in the pharmaceutical industry. They have high contents of natural components, which are effective in a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. The EO of Th. Marschallianus had the lowest influence on the inhibition of bacterial and fungal reproduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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18 pages, 3410 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Preliminary Study on the Impact of Non-Thermal Plasma Activated Water on the Quality of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa Sprouts

by Alexandru Mandici, Daniel Eusebiu Cretu, Radu Burlica, Dragos Astanei, Oana Beniuga, Craita Rosu, Denis Constantin Topa, Tudor George Aostacioaei, Ana Clara Aprotosoaie and Anca Miron

Horticulturae 2022, 8(12), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8121158 - 07 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1516

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of non-thermal plasma-activated water (PAW) on Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa sprouts. Two types of PAW were generated by exposing distilled water to a high-voltage electric discharge. Wheat caryopses were treated either with PAW1 (25 [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of non-thermal plasma-activated water (PAW) on Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa sprouts. Two types of PAW were generated by exposing distilled water to a high-voltage electric discharge. Wheat caryopses were treated either with PAW1 (25 mg/L NO₃⁻, 4 mg/L NO₂⁻, and 6 mg/L H₂O₂) or PAW2 (35 mg/L NO₃⁻, 5 mg/L NO₂⁻, and 7.5 mg/L H₂O₂) for 8 days, with samples being collected at days 1, 2, 3, and 8. The germination rate, growth parameters, protein, photosynthetic pigments, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activity of free and bound phenolic fractions, and activity of antioxidant enzymes were evaluated. Both PAW1 and PAW2 had positive effects on Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa sprouts. PAW2 had a better impact on sprouts with respect to growth parameters, free phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of the free phenolic fraction (day 3), the accumulation of proteins, and photosynthetic pigments (day 8). In conclusion, exposure to PAW increases the quality of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Glosa sprouts. Further optimization of PAW treatment is required for the most favorable impact on the accumulation of biomass and health-promoting compounds in sprouts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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12 pages, 583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Volatile Profile of Garden Rose (Rosa hybrida) Hydrosol and Evaluation of Its Biological Activity In Vitro

by Biljana Božanić Tanjga, Biljana Lončar, Milica Aćimović, Biljana Kiprovski, Olja Šovljanski, Ana Tomić, Vanja Travičić, Mirjana Cvetković, Vidak Raičević and Tijana Zeremski

Horticulturae 2022, 8(10), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8100895 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2190

Abstract

Garden rose, Rosa hybrida, is primarily used for decoration and has a wide range of growing area, contrary to R. damascena that has a limited area of distribution (Turkey and Bulgaria), yet it is extensively used for commercial production of valuable and [...] Read more.

Garden rose, Rosa hybrida, is primarily used for decoration and has a wide range of growing area, contrary to R. damascena that has a limited area of distribution (Turkey and Bulgaria), yet it is extensively used for commercial production of valuable and expensive rose oil. Since the content of essential oil in rose petals is low (0.03–0.04%), its production is quite limited; however, during this process, a significant amount of rose hydrosol is obtained as a secondary product. The aim of this research was to determine the chemical composition of garden rose hydrosols and to evaluate their biological properties. Obtained results show that R. hybrida hydrosol containing phenylethyl alcohol, nerol, linalool, and geraniol may be used as an alternative for R. damascena hydrosol. However, the total phenolic content was quite low (4.96 µg GAE/mL), which is related to a low level of observed antioxidant activity based on different antioxidant activity assays. Furthermore, R. hybrida hydrosol did not exhibit antimicrobial activity against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast and fungi. Anti-inflammatory activity was also low, while no antihyperglycemic activity was detected. With these results in mind, no potential is evident for the therapeutic application of rose hydrosol beyond that found in complimentary medicine such as aromatherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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13 pages, 923 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Change in Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC. Leaf Extract

by Reshika Ramasar, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir and Antar Nasr El-Banna

Horticulturae 2022, 8(9), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8090780 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2329

Abstract

Genus Carissa represents several species that are reported to be of great phyto-medicinal and ethnopharmacological value. However, Carissa macrocarpa is relatively understudied. Furthermore, environmental conditions such as seasonal changes are known to affect the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aimed [...] Read more.

Genus Carissa represents several species that are reported to be of great phyto-medicinal and ethnopharmacological value. However, Carissa macrocarpa is relatively understudied. Furthermore, environmental conditions such as seasonal changes are known to affect the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological activity of the leaf extracts of C. macrocarpa in the summer and winter seasons. The phytochemical screening of C. macrocarpa leaves showed positive results for a variety of phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, tannins, phenols, naphthoquinones, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, proteins, carbohydrates, mucilage, gum and resin. The methanolic extract was evaluated for its antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the agar well diffusion method. The winter leaf extract was distinguished for its potential antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains with inhibition zones (mm) of 8.17 ± 1.04 and 6.83 ± 0.58 at 10 mg/mL. The antioxidant activity of the leaf extracts was evaluated using the 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The percentage scavenging activities of the different extracts were significantly greater than that of the control. Furthermore, at 15, 30, 60, 120 and 240 µg/mL, the percentage scavenging activities of the winter methanol leaf extract were 74.65, 78.31, 85.45, 90.02 and 95.68%, and those of the summer one were 71.66, 73.57, 84.05, 88.22 and 96.28%, respectively, indicating that the methanol leaf extract had greater percentage scavenging activity in winter than in summer. In winter, the IC₅₀ value of the methanol leaf extract (0.67 µg/mL) was lower than that of ascorbic acid (8.26 µg/mL). It is concluded that winter is the optimal season to harvest leaves of C. macrocarpa for medicinal use. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that relates the phytochemical composition and medicinal properties of C. macrocarpa to changes in seasons. The results obtained are promising, and this species should be further explored to decipher its pharmacological worth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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23 pages, 2883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antioxidant Capacity of Salix alba (Fam. Salicaceae) and Influence of Heavy Metal Accumulation

by Demush Bajraktari, Biljana Bauer and Lulzim Zeneli

Horticulturae 2022, 8(7), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8070642 - 15 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

In this study, we analyzed and compared the concentrations of selected metals/metalloids and the antioxidant response of Salix alba L. (white willow) bark in the highly polluted area around the Kosovo A and B thermal power plants. The antioxidant capacity of Salix alba [...] Read more.

In this study, we analyzed and compared the concentrations of selected metals/metalloids and the antioxidant response of Salix alba L. (white willow) bark in the highly polluted area around the Kosovo A and B thermal power plants. The antioxidant capacity of Salix alba bark was evaluated in terms of the total phenolics, flavonoids, chlorophylls, and carotenoids, while the metal content in the soil and willow bark was analyzed by ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy). For total antioxidant level assessment, FRAP, DPPH, and CUPRAC assays were conducted. The mean concentrations of selected elements in soil and willow dry mass range from 15,698.4 mg kg⁻¹ dry mass (soil) to 371.1 mg kg⁻¹ (willow bark) for Al; 37.676 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to <2 ppb (willow bark) for As; 14.8 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to 0.62 mg kg⁻¹ (willow bark) for Cd; 24.2 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to 1.2 mg kg⁻¹ (willow bark) for Cr; 58.8 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to 9.1 mg kg⁻¹ (willow bark) for Cu; 16,975.68 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to 385.4 mg kg⁻¹ (willow bark) for Fe; 95.0 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to 7.9 mg kg⁻¹ (willow bark) for Ni; 185.2 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to <1 ppb (willow bark) for Pb; and 226.7 mg kg⁻¹ (soil) to 87.7 mg kg⁻¹ (willow bark) for Zn. Additionally, the Salix alba bark samples presented mean values of 12,191.6 mg kg⁻¹ for Ca, 1306.0 mg kg⁻¹ for Mg, and 123.1363 mg kg⁻¹ for Mn. The mean phenolic content was 39.292 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW, being 28.222 mg CE g⁻¹ DW for flavonoids, 38.099 mg g⁻¹ FW for CHLa, 49.240 mg g⁻¹ FW for CHLb, and 94.976 mg g⁻¹ FW for CAR. The results of this study indicate that the bark of Salix alba contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds, and strong positive and moderate negative correlations are revealed between total phenolic compounds and iron, and total phenolics and nickel and manganese, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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14 pages, 1996 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Larvicidal Activity and Phytochemical Profiling of Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Leaf Extract against Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

by Chee Aun Chan, Lai Yee Ho and Nam Weng Sit

Horticulturae 2022, 8(5), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8050443 - 16 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5029

Abstract

Applying larvicides to interrupt a mosquito’s life cycle is an important strategy for vector control. This study was conducted to evaluate the larvicidal properties of the hexane extract of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.; family Lamiaceae) leaves against the wild strain of [...] Read more.

Applying larvicides to interrupt a mosquito’s life cycle is an important strategy for vector control. This study was conducted to evaluate the larvicidal properties of the hexane extract of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.; family Lamiaceae) leaves against the wild strain of Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Third instar larvae (20 larvae/replicate, n = 3) were exposed to different concentrations of the extract (6.25–200 µg/mL), and the mortality rate was recorded. Probit analysis showed that the median lethal concentration and 95% lethal concentration of the extract were 16.0 (10.9–22.1) and 53.0 (34.6–136.8) µg/mL, respectively, after 24 h exposure. Only the fractions F3, F4, and F5 from the column chromatography displayed high mortality rates of 91.7–100% at 25.0 µg/mL after 24 h exposure. Subsequent column chromatography from the pooled fraction yielded two active subfractions, H-F345-S2 and H-F345-S3, with mortality rates of 100% and 98.3 ± 2.9%, respectively, at 12.5 µg/mL. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis unveiled that methyl chavicol, 2-(2-butoxyethoxy)ethanol, cedrelanol, methyl eugenol, 2,4,di-tert-butylphenol, and phytol were the major components in both subfractions with some of them being reported as larvicidal compounds. The results suggest that sweet basil has substantial larvicidal activity against Ae. albopictus mosquito and is a potential source of naturally derived larvicide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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16 pages, 3594 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Weather Conditions Influence on Lavandin Essential Oil and Hydrolate Quality

by Milica Aćimović, Biljana Lončar, Jovana Stanković Jeremić, Mirjana Cvetković, Lato Pezo, Milada Pezo, Marina Todosijević and Vele Tešević

Horticulturae 2022, 8(4), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8040281 - 27 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

Lavandula sp. essential oil and hydrolate are commercially valuable in various industry branches with the potential for wide-ranging applications. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of these products obtained from L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ for the first time cultivated on Fruška [...] Read more.

Lavandula sp. essential oil and hydrolate are commercially valuable in various industry branches with the potential for wide-ranging applications. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of these products obtained from L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ for the first time cultivated on Fruška Gora Mt. (Serbia) during three successive seasons (2019, 2020, and 2021). Essential oil extraction was obtained by steam distillation, and the composition and influence of weather conditions were also assessed, using flowering tops. The obtained essential oils and hydrolates were analysed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A linear regression model was developed to predict L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ essential oil volatile compound content and hydrolate composition during three years, according to temperature and precipitation data, and the appropriate regression coefficients were calculated, while the correlation analysis was employed to analyse the correlations in hydrolate and essential oil compounds. To completely describe the structure of the research data that would present a better insight into the similarities and differences among the diverse L. x intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ samples, the PCA was used. The most dominant in L. intermedia cv. ‘Budrovka’ essential oil and hydrolate were oxygenated monoterpenes: linalool, 1,8-cineole, borneol, linalyl acetate, and terpinene-4-ol. It is established that the temperature was positively correlated with all essential oil and hydrolate compounds. The precipitations were positively correlated with the main compounds (linalool, 1,8-cineole, and borneol), while the other compounds’ content negatively correlated to precipitation. The results indicated that Fruška Gora Mt. has suitable agro-ecological requirements for cultivating Lavandula sp. and providing satisfactory essential oil and hydrolate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

21 pages, 2013 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Chemistry, Sensory Properties and Health Benefits of Aroma Compounds of Black Tea Produced by Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica

by Asma Parveen, Chun-Yin Qin, Feng Zhou, Guoping Lai, Piaopiao Long, Mengting Zhu, Jiaping Ke and Liang Zhang

Horticulturae 2023, 9(12), 1253; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9121253 - 22 Nov 2023

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Abstract

Black tea is frequently consumed worldwide and is renowned for having a distinctive scent. The volatile chemicals in tea are responsible for its aroma, which is important for sensory quality. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes that produce the compounds endowing black tea with [...] Read more.

Black tea is frequently consumed worldwide and is renowned for having a distinctive scent. The volatile chemicals in tea are responsible for its aroma, which is important for sensory quality. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes that produce the compounds endowing black tea with its distinctive aroma are complex. Black tea is well known for its robust and complex aroma, which can vary based on the type of tea leaves used and processing technologies used. During the production of black tea, several intricate biological and chemical processes contribute to the aroma’s development. Different volatile chemicals are generated during the processing of black tea, which includes withering, rolling, fermentation (enzymatic oxidation), and drying. Various methods have been used to analyze and describe the aroma of black tea. Different methods, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, olfactometry, and solid phase extraction, have been used to assess the fragrance of black tea. These methods evaluate characteristics including fruity, flowery, woody, malty, spicy, and smoky flavors. Phenyl ethyl alcohol, one-octen-3-ol, trans-linalool oxide (furanoid), geraniol, and nonanal are major aroma-active compounds in black tea. Sensory analytic techniques are used to assess black tea’s flavor and scent qualities. This assessment helps figure out the tea’s quality, unique characteristics, and even some unpleasant attributes. Black tea is mostly made from Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica tea varieties. These two varieties, members of the Camellia genus, differ in their development patterns, leaf sizes, and chemical makeup, impacting how black tea’s scent is formed. When evaluating black tea made from Camellia sinensis and assamica, sensory analysis involved assessing the aroma when the tea was dry and, after brewing, noting any differences from other teas. This review focused on how key aromatic compounds are formed during the tea manufacturing process by Camellia sinensis and Camellia assamica black tea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicinal, Aromatic, Spice Plants: Biodiversity, Phytochemistry, Bioactivity and Their Processing Innovation)

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