In-vitro antimicrobial activity and synergistic/antagonistic effect of interactions between antibiotics and some spice essential oils

Spices and herbs have been used for many years by different cultures. The aim of the present study is (1) to investigate in-vitro antimicrobial effects of different spices and herbs (5 species: Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Coriandrum sativum (coriander), Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. Brachycalyx P.H. Davis (White micromeria), Cumium cyminum (cumin), Mentha piperita (Peppermint) against different bacteria and fungi species, and (2) to discuss the in-vitro possible effects between the plants and antibiotics. The microorganisms used were Micrococcus luteus LA 2971, Bacillus megaterium NRS, Bacillus brevis FMC 3, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 15753, Pseudomonas pyocyaneus DC 127, Mycobacterium smegmatis CCM 2067, Escherichia coil DM, Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 7966, Yersinia enterocolitica AU 19, Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1, Streptococcus faecalis DC 74 bacteria, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae WET 136, Kluvyeromyces fragilis DC 98 fungi in this study. The results indicated that essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis, Coriandrum sativum L., Micromeria fruticosa (L.) Druce subsp. brachycalyx P.H. Davis, Cumium cyminum L., Mentha piperita L. were shown antimicrobial activity in the range of 7-60 mm 2 microl(-1) inhibition zone to the microorganisms tested, using disc diffusion method. Standard antibiotic such as Gentamicin (10 microg), Cephalothin (30 microg), Ceftriaxone (10 microg), Nystatin (10 U) discs were used for comparison with the antimicrobial activities of essential oils of these plants. In addition, antibacterial activity of essential oils of these plants was researched by effects when it was used together with these standard antibiotics in vitro. However, antibacterial activity changed also by in vitro interactions between these standard antibiotics and essential oils of these plants. Synergic, additive or antagonist effects were observed in antibacterial activity.     

Stimulation of soil microbial activity by essential oils

Summary. Although essential oils are well known antimicrobial agents, some microorganisms are activated by them and can use them as a carbon and energy source; this is the case for soil bacteria from Mediterranean ecosystems. We examined the assumption that soil microorganisms when offered with an essential oil, to which they had been previously exposed, would respond faster making immediate use of the newly added substrate. Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha spicata, and Coridothymus capitatus plants were collected and their essential oils isolated. Soil samples from the upper surface layer, beneath these aromatic plants, were also collected. All possible combinations of essential oils and soil samples were examined as well as the effect of the oil of R. officinalis and the non-indigenous, Lavandula angustifolia, on soil samples collected from cultivated fields. Soil respiration was used as a measure of the microbial activity. Oils (0.1 ml) were repeatedly added to the soil samples (150 g) and CO₂ release was measured every seven days. Essential oils differed in their chemical composition. In spite of that, they activated respiration of the different soil samples, even of those not previously exposed to essential oils, to a comparable degree. These results suggest that essential oils are used as a carbon and energy source by rather ubiquitously occurring soil microorganisms and provide evidence that they would not accumulate in the soil, if environmental conditions favour growth of these microorganisms.     

Effective antibacterial and antioxidant properties of methanolic extract of Laurus nobilis seed oil

This study was carried out to determine the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the essential oil, seed oil, and methanolic extract of seed oil obtained from Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae). The methanolic extract of seed oil exhibited more effective antibacterial activity comparing to essential oil and seed oil, GC-MS analyses of the essential oil resulted in the identification of 25 compounds. 1.8-Cineol (44.72%), a-Terpinyl acetate (12.95%), Sabinene (12.82%) were the main components. The fatty acid composition was characterized with the high content of linoleic acid (40.79%) and lauric acid (38.08%). The 50% (IC50) inhibition activity of the essential oil on the free radical DPPH was determined as 94.655 mg ml(-1), whereas IC50 value of methanolic extract of seed oil was found unstable. In the case of the linoleic acid system, oxidation of linoleic acid was inhibited by essential oil and methanolic extract of seed oil, which showed 64.28 and 88.76% inhibition, respectively. The inhibition value of the methanolic extract of seed oil was quite close to the synthetic antioxidant BHT, 92.46% inhibition.     

Comparison of chemical composition of the essential oil of Laurus nobilis L. leaves and fruits from different regions of Hatay, Turkey

The essential oils of the leaves and fruits from bay (Laurus nobilis L.) grown in Antakya, Yayladagi and Samandagi were isolated by solvent extraction and analysed by capillary gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In Antakya, Yayladagi and Samandagi the chemical compositions of the fruits and leaves were similar according to qualitative and quantitative analysis. Although in both fruits and leaves the major component was found to be 1.8-Cineole a concentration of about 50% compared with essential oils. The composition of the essential oil from the leaves has high content of 1.8-Cineole, Sabinene and alpha-Terpinyl acetate, but a low content of a-Pinene, alpha-Phellandrene and trans-/beta-osimen. 1.8-Cineole was found major component of the leaves essential oil collected from Samandagi (59.94%) which is sea coast of region. Interestingly alpha-Pinene, beta-Pinene, alpha-Phellandrene, 1.8-Cineole and trans-beta-osimen were found the major components of fruits of Laurus nobilis L. harvested from Antakya, Yayladagi and Samandagi Trans-beta-osimen was detected as the major component of fruits essential oil collected again from Samandagi (28.35%)     

Phytotoxicity of volatile oil from Eucalyptus citriodora against some weedy species

A study was undertaken to explore the phytotoxicity of volatile essential oil from Eucalyptus citriodora Hook. against some weeds viz. Bidens pilosa, Amaranthus viridis, Rumex nepalensis, and Leucaena leucocephala in order to assess its herbicidal activity. Dose-response studies conducted under laboratory conditions revealed that eucalypt oils (in concentration ranging from 0.0012 to 0.06%) greatly suppress the germination and seedling height of test weeds. At 0.06% eucalypt oil concentration, none of the seed of test weeds germinated. Among the weed species tested, A. viridis was found to be the most sensitive and its germination was completed inhibited even at 0.03%. Not only the germination and seedling growth, even the chlorophyll content and respiratory activity in leaves of emerged seedlings were severely affected. In A. viridis chlorophyll content and respiratory activity were reduced by over 51% and 71%, respectively, even at a very low concentration of 0.06%. These results indicated an adverse effect of eucalypt oils on the photosynthetic and energy metabolism of the test weeds. A strong negative correlation was observed between the observed effect and the concentration of eucalypt oil. Based on the study, it can be concluded that oil from E. citriodora possess strong inhibitory potential against weeds that could be exploited for weed management.     

Abundance and diversity of the phyllosphere bacterial communities of Mediterranean perennial plants that differ in leaf chemistry

Summary.  We studied the epiphytic bacterial communities of the summer leaves of eight perennial species naturally occurring in a Mediterranean ecosystem. The species differ in essential-oil content (from rich in essential oil to non-producers) and composition, and also in life form (from herbaceous species to tall shrubs). We compared the epiphytic bacterial communities on the basis of (i) their abundance, (ii) their metabolic profile (derived by use of the BIOLOG Ecoplate system) and (iii) richness and diversity of substrates that they use, as a measure of functional diversity. Among all species, the aromatic Melissa officinalis was the most abundantly colonized. The bacterial communities on the leaves of the aromatic Myrtus communis, Calamintha nepeta and Melissa officinalis, and also of Cistus incanus catabolized all 31 substrates offered; those on the evergreen-sclerophyllous species, Arbutus unedo and Quercus coccifera, catabolized only 14 and 17 substrates, respectively. Carbohydrates were consistently used abundantly by all communities, whereas carboxylic acids were most variably used. On average, the group of aromatic plants scored higher regarding bacterial abundance, and richness and diversity of substrates used by the bacterial communities on their leaves; the lowest values for both substrate-use indices were recorded in A. unedo. Bacterial abundance or richness or diversity of substrates used did not vary with leaf oil content. Abundance was positively correlated with both substrate-use indices. Results support claims that the antimicrobial effects of essential oils are not exerted so much under natural conditions as reports based on biassays with pathogens usually show. Although essential oils play a part in the microbial colonization of the phyllosphere, it is not likely that inhibition of phyllosphere bacteria is essential oils’ primary role, at least in the Mediterranean environment.     

Invasion essentials: does secondary chemistry plasticity contribute to the invasiveness of Thymus vulgaris L.?

Increasing our understanding of spatial patterns of plant secondary chemistry variation may help us understand the mechanisms that underlie plant invasions involving species which exhibit chemical phenotypic variation. We analysed qualitative and quantitative variation in the essential oil terpenes produced by Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) plants inside and at the edge of thyme-invaded plant communities on north- and south-facing slopes at ten sites across Central Otago, New Zealand. We tested the hypotheses that (1) there are foliar terpene composition quantitative and qualitative differences between the inside and edge of thyme-invaded communities and that these differences vary between north- and south-facing slopes and (2) that environmental variables affect the quantity and quality of thyme essential oil composition. Terpene concentrations were determined using ethanol extraction and GC FID/MS. Environmental data were collected from inside, at the edge and outside of thyme stands. We used multivariate statistical analysis to test differences in foliar terpene composition and linear modelling to investigate the effects of environmental variables on terpene composition. We found no evidence of a link between aspect- and invasion edge-related patterns of variation of thyme’s essential oil chemistry. Site-related differences for aspect and position in thyme stands indicated that thyme’s terpene production may be modulated by environmental factors such as soil moisture, clay, carbon, silt, sand, colloid, N and NH₄ ⁺. The role of thyme’s novel chemistry in the processes that underlie the spatial patterns of thyme’s successful invasion is modulated by environmental factors.     

Comparison of the insecticidal effects of water extracted and intact aromatic plants onAcanthoscelides obtectus,a bruchid beetle pest of kidney beans

Summary Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) is one of the most damaging pests of kidney beans,Phaseolus vulgaris L. worldwide. However, aromatic plants from the families Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Myrtaceae and Poaceae can protect kidney beans by direct or delayed insecticidal effect, through increased adult mortality and inhibition of beetle reproduction (both oviposition and adult emergence). The efficiency of hydrodistillated and intact plants fromThymus vulgaris andT. serpyllum, Mentha piperata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Satureia hortensis, Eucalyptus globulus, Laurus nobilis, Origanum vulgare, andCymbopogon nardus was compared. For both extracts,Origanum vulgare had the best effect. The insecticidal effect was induced by more than the essential oils because no significant difference was noticed between distilled and intact plants extract. Inhibition of reproduction was particularly important. These results suggest that lipidic as well as non lipidic, allelochemicals, such as phenolics, or non-protein amino-acids, or flavonoids may be involved in the toxicity of aromatic plants to this beetle.     

The effects of a no. 2 fuel oil and two crude oils on the growth and photosynthesis of microalgae

Seawater, when equilibrated with a sample of No. 2 fuel oil, becomes toxic in varying degrees to growth of representative types of microalgae, two blue-greens, a diatom, two greens, and a dinoflagellate. For a sensitive organism such as Thalassiosira pseudonana, Strain 3H, 5 ml of seawater equilibrated with fuel oil (containing 15 mg/l of organics) in 20 ml of growth medium is lethal, or roughly in the range of 40 to 400 ppb if the toxic material(s) constitute 1 to 10% water also immediately stops photosynthesis in organism 3H. For other microalgae tested e.g. 580 (a green alga) and PR-6 (a blue-green alga), similar effects on growth and photosynthesis were found, but required higher concentrations of the oil-equilibrated seawater. Water solubles from Kuwait or Southern Louisiana crude oils (when the straight crude oil was equilibrated 1:8 with seawater) were not toxic; however, specific fractions obtained by distillation did show some water-soluble toxicity. Growth experimetns in open or closed growth systems revealed that most organisms were inhibited by varying amounts of these two crude oils when in direct contact with them. Organism 580 would not grow above 5 μl of Southern Louisiana/25 ml of medium, or 10 μl of Kuwait/25 ml of medium (oil in direct contact with algae). With both the seawater equilibrated with fuel oil and the crude oils, the toxic activity is mainly localized in medium and higher boiling fractions derived from distillation cuts from these materials.     

Antiaflatoxigenic activity of Carum copticum essential oil

Plants are unique sources of useful metabolites. Plant essential oils display a wide range of antimicrobial effects against various pathogens. Here, we studied the essential oil from the seeds of Carum copticum. We monitored aflatoxin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results show that Carum copticum essential oil inhibits Asergillus parasiticus growth and prevents aflatoxin production. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) is 127.5 μg mL^?1 for aflatoxin B₁ and 23.22 μg mL^?1 for aflatoxin G₁. Our findings show that Carum copticum essential oil is a potential candidate for the protection of foodstuff and feeds from toxigenic fungus growth and their subsequent aflatoxin contamination.     

Bacterial colonization of the phyllosphere of nineteen plant species and antimicrobial activity of their leaf secondary metabolites against leaf associated bacteria

Summary. The scope of this work was to examine whether leaf constitutive secondary metabolites play a role in determining bacterial colonization of the phyllosphere. To this aim, we surveyed nineteen native or cultivated plant species that share a common bacterial pool in a North Mediterranean area, and estimated the size of total and ice nucleation active (INA) bacterial populations on their leaves. Large differences in the colonization of their phyllosphere were found; the population size of epiphytic bacteria ranged from 7.5 × 10² to 1 × 10⁶ CFU/g fresh weight, in eucalypt and celery, respectively. Species native in Mediterranean-type climate areas, particularly those belonging to the group of aromatic plants, are characterized by scarce presence of INA bacteria. The antibacterial activity of essential oils, surface phenolics and leaf tissue extracts was also estimated against the INA strains P. syringae and E. herbicola, isolated from two of these plant species. E. herbicola proved more sensitive than P. syringae. Of the species examined, oregano [Origanum vulgare L. subsp. hirtum (Link.) Ietswaart], an aromatic plant, had the highest antimicrobial activity, whereas six species showed no activity at all. Further experiments were performed with oregano and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) that represent two extremes in their secondary metabolite content. Both plants were inoculated with P. syringae. By the end of incubation, the bacterial population on bean plants was about 100 times higher than that on oregano leaves. Scanning electron micrographs showed that bacterial growth on oregano leaves was confined to sites away from glandular hairs. Results from the bacterial colonization survey together with those from the toxicity tests showed that all species rich in antibacterial secondary metabolites harbored low leaf bacterial populations. These results provide substantial evidence that leaf secondary metabolites function as constitutive defense chemicals against microbial invasions. However, the fact that species with non- or moderately active leaf secondary metabolites are not always highly colonized suggests mediation of other unknown factors, the contribution of which requires further investigation.     

Autotoxic effects of essential oils on photosynthesis in parsley, parsnip, and rough lemon

Summary. Many plant species contain essential oils with allelochemical properties, yet the extent to which these same chemicals can be autotoxic is unclear. In this study, we tested the toxicity of several essential oil components to three species that produce them—Pastinaca sativa and Petroselinum crispum (Apiaceae), and Citrus jambhiri (Rutaceae). The effects of exogenous application of small amounts of essential oil components to the surface of foliage, followed by a pinprick to allow entry into the leaf, were monitored by chlorophyll fluorescence imaging. Rapid and spatially extensive declines in photosynthetic capacity were detected within 200 s. The most toxic constituents were monoterpenes. Two sesquiterpenes, caryophyllene and farnesene, and the phenylpropanoid myristicin, by comparison, were not toxic. Autotoxicity of endogenous essential oil was investigated by slicing through containment structures (glands or tubes); significant toxicity, manifested by reduced photosynthetic activity, was observed in all three species but was most pronounced in P. sativa and P. crispum, both of which possess oil tubes.     

Preparation of amphiphilic composite and removal of oil and hexavalent chromium from wastewater

A new composite for water treatment was prepared by melt blend for oil and hexavalent chromium absorption. Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) was the matrix, calcinatory Fe₂O₃ and anion-exchange resin 201×7 were the fillers. This composite can suspend in water–oil contact (WOC) and absorb oils and hexavalent chromium in wastewater simultaneously. The absorbencies of composites changed greatly with various ratios of calcinatory Fe₂O₃ and anion-exchange resin 201×7. The results showed that the oil absorbencies increased continuously and hexavalent chromium absorbencies were step-down as calcinatory Fe₂O₃ loadings from 13 to 19%. The composite can adsorb oils and hexavalent chromium simultaneously. The optimized proportion of calcinatory Fe₂O₃ and anion-exchange resin 201×7 in composite was found when the absorbencies of oils and hexavalent chromium reaching the maximum simultaneously. This composite is an inexpensive, convenient and high efficiency material for removing oils and hexavalent chromium from wastewater.     

The effects of preen oils and soiling on the UV–visible reflectance of carotenoid-pigmented feathers

Plumage coloration, particularly when carotenoid-based, is important in social signaling in birds. Although feather color is a relatively stable trait, individuals may modify it with “cosmetic” substances such as preen oils. In addition, dirt accumulation may influence plumage coloration and further affect signal perception by receivers. Here, we analyze the separate potential effects of preen oils and soil accumulation on the reflectance properties of carotenoid-pigmented feathers across the visual range of most bird species, which includes the ultraviolet (UV). Using the yellow portion of tail feathers of Bohemian waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus), we performed two separate experiments where: (a) preen oils and/or soil were removed, or (b) preen oils (from black-billed magpies Pica pica or eagle owls Bubo bubo) were added. Preen oil addition reduced brightness but increased UV hue and yellow chroma. UV chroma was reduced by the addition of magpie (but not owl) preen oil. Soil accumulation had little effect on plumage reflectance in the UV range but significantly reduced yellow chroma. According to models of avian vision, both of these effects are detectable by birds and biologically meaningful when compared with natural variation between the sexes and age classes. We conclude that preen oil and soil accumulation can significantly affect the UV–visible reflectance of carotenoid-based plumages. As such traits typically advertise individual quality, preening and soiling have the potential to modify the information content of carotenoid-based plumage traits and how these signals are perceived by receivers.     

The effects of three oils on marine phytoplankton photosynthesis

The effects of 3 oils (Venezuelan crude, No. 2 fuel, and No. 6 fuel) on the photosynthesis of natural phytoplankton communities from Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia (Canada), and the northwest Atlantic Ocean between Halifax and Bermuda were examined using a radiocarbon method. The 3 oils can inhibit photosynthesis, and the degree of inhibition depends upon oil type and concentration. The No. 2 fuel oil was the most toxic. Under certain conditions, low concentrations of Venezuelan crude oil can stimulate photosynthesis. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that present levels of oil contamination in Bedford Basin could be inhibiting photosynthesis by a few percent, while present levels in open ocean water have no apparent deleterious effect on photosynthesis.Bedford Institute of Oceanography Contribution.     

Diversity of root associated microorganisms of selected medicinal plants and influence of rhizomicroorganisms on the antimicrobial property of Coriandrum sativum

The total heterotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes and fungus were enumerated from the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil of 50 selected locally available medicinal plants in and around Bharathiar University. In all the plants, population of microorganism were higher in the rhizosphere soil than in the non rhizosphere soil. Among the microorganisms, bacterial population was higher in number followed by fungus and actinomycetes. Of the medicinal plants, the maximum rhizosphere effect was observed in Annona squamosa and the minimum effect was seen in Eclipta alba and Cassia auriculata. Among the bacteria the dominant species was Bacillus followed by Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Corynebacterium, Micrococcus and Serratia. The Streptomyces species was found to be dominant followed by Deuteromycetes and Frankia among the actinomycetes. Among the fungal isolates Rhizopus was found to be higher in number followed by Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mucor and Fusarium. About 70.96% of the bacterial isolates were found to be nitrate reducers and 90.60% of the bacteria solubilised phosphate. The rhizosphere bacterial isolates were also capable of hydrolyzing starch, cellulose, casein, urea and gelatin. The isolates of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungus were also able to produce phytohormone Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The maximum IAA production was recorded by Fusarium sp (5.8 mg/l). The rhizosphere bacterial isolates showed resistance to 14 commercially used antibiotics. In an attempt to check the influence of these plant growth promoting microorganisms on the antimicrobial property of Coriandrum sativum against Escherichia coli MTCC-443 and Aeromonas hydrophila MTCC-646, the results observed was not encouraging since the inoculants did not influence the antibacterial property. However extensive and in depth study is required to find out the influence of rhizomicroorganisms on the antibacterial property of medicinal plants. The other results clearly indicated that the rhizosphere microorganisms could be exploited for its innumerable properties and active metabolites.     

石油污染对土壤-植物系统的生态效应

伴随着石油的工业化生产和利用,石油污染已经成为一个严重的环境问题.本文从土壤、植物个体、植物群落与生态系统等层次对石油污染的生态效应进行了系统总结.含有多环芳烃(Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,PAHs)、苯系物(Benzene、toluene、ethylbenzene和xylene,BTEX)等多种有毒物质的石油及其化工产品进入土壤-植物系统后会发生迁移.这不仅对土壤-植物系统的组成、结构、功能和服务产生影响,也会通过食物链危害人类健康.石油污染影响土壤水分状况、孔隙度等物理性质,土壤碳含量、养分含量等化学性质,以及土壤微生物群落组成和多样性、土壤酶活性等生物学性质.通常,石油污染会对大多数植物形成氧化胁迫,影响细胞膜透性,影响光合作用等生理活动,抑制植物生长,影响植物萌发、开花和结实.由于石油污染对植物个体的不同效应以及植物个体对石油污染的不同响应,石油污染对植物群落的影响存在3种基本模式,并最终导致植物群落生物量下降,物种多样性降低,植被盖度降低.进一步影响生态系统的生产力、稳定性和健康,最终危及生态系统的功能和服务.利用微生物、植物及其联合体菌根可以对石油污染物进行生物修复和降解,添加外源营养物质和通气等措施可以强化生物修复过程.应用植被指数和红边效应等遥感方法进行石油污染的生态效应监测具有较大的潜力.总之,如何把土壤-植物系统各水平上不同指标对石油污染物的响应与石油污染的生态效应联系起来,是目前石油污染生态效应研究的重点和难点之一.因此,亟需开展多尺度的系统研究,把室内控制实验、野外控制实验和野外调查有机地结合起来,构建多层次的石油污染标志物体系,全面认识石油污染对土壤-植物系统的生态效应,为石油污染的生态风险评价、治理和控制提供理论基础和实践指导.     

Research progress on antimicrobial activities of sophorolipids and their synergistic effects with other antimicrobial substances北大核心CSCD

Sophorolipids (SLs), secondary metabolites of non-pathogenic yeasts, are glycolipid biosurfactants with wide applications. Research on the pharmaceutical activities of sophorolipids is important. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers have been interested in the antimicrobial activity of sophorolipids. In this study, the effects of sophorolipids on bacteria, fungi, and their biofilms were reviewed. Sophorolipids cause greater damage and better inhibition of gram-positive bacteria, and lactonic sophorolipids show stronger effects than acid sophorolipids. In addition, sophorolipids can disperse and destroy resistant biofilms, which are difficult to handle. Second, the synergistic effects of sophorolipids in combination with commonly used antibiotics and antimicrobial materials were reviewed. When sophorolipids and antibiotics are used together, the effective dosage of the antibiotics is significantly reduced. Sophorolipids can enhance the antimicrobial effects when used to synthesize or coat antimicrobial materials. Finally, we investigated the problems and development of the antimicrobial activities of sophorolipids, further expansion of the antimicrobial spectrum of sophorolipids, in-depth analysis of mechanisms of antimicrobial and synergistic effects, development and modification of new sophorolipids, and exploration of the water-solubility of sophorolipids. © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.     

Lavender essential oil decreases stress response of horses

Simple and soft means are needed to manage horse stress. For instance, essential oils such as lavender oil contain active principles that may mitigate stress responses in humans and animals. Here we developed a protocol to test the effects of essential oil on equine stress response. We tested the effect of lavender oil on horse stress. Twenty-eight Welsh horse fillies were divided into two groups: horses treated with a roll-on with 2 mL of vegetable oil (control) and horses treated with 2 mL of 10% lavender essential oil in vegetable oil. Horses were then subjected to a series of stress tests. Heart rates and stress behavioral indicators were monitored during the 30 min of the stress tests. Saliva was collected. Blood from six horses was sampled after lavender essential oil application to follow plasma linalool content and antioxidant efficiency. Results show that stress indicators such as heart rate, alert postures and defecations are lower in lavender oil-treated horses. Lavender essential oil also modified salivary cortisol. Pharmacokinetics of linalool in plasma displayed a peak 20 min after lavender essential oil application, thus confirming the effect of lavender oil. Overall, our findings demonstrate that lavender essential oil reduces the response to stress of horses placed in stressful situations.     

Clove bud oil: an efficient, economical and widely available oil for the inhibition of wheat seed germination

Pre-harvest sprouting refers to the precocious germination of the grain in the spike prior to harvest as a result of moist weather conditions at harvest time. From the agricultural viewpoint, it is necessary to impose an exogenous dormancy to wheat seeds in order to improve the resistance of seed to pre-harvest sprouting. In this regard, we found that clove bud essential oil is a strong inhibitor for wheat seed germination. The extract obtained from clove bud by supercritical fluid extraction using CO₂ as solvent minimized the number of extracts to two compounds, eugenol and eugenyl acetate. Eugenol, as the main constituent of the oil, was responsible for its strong inhibitory activity in wheat seeds. The aqueous solution of clove bud oil was submitted to germination assay at various concentrations from 50 to 400 mg/L. Complete inhibition of seed germination was recorded when the concentration was 400 mg/L. Roots and sprouts have similar sensitivity to inhibitory effect. In an empirical study, the synergistic cooperation of eugenol and eugenyl acetate from clove bud oil in the inhibition of seed germination was found to be a 1:1 ratio. The clove bud essential oil is widely available and will broaden the horizon of applications for natural and safe inhibitors in the fields.