In order to mitigate the risk of antibiotic resistance in poultry, scientists nowadays consider plant secondary metabolites to be a major organic antibacterial substitute. This study aimed to characterize and investigate the in silico, in vitro, and in vivo antibacterial effects of peppermint essential oil (PEO) in the form of a nanoemulsion (NE), termed PEONE. Menthol as a major compound of PEO has been identified by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GCMS) analysis as 32.3 %, while lower droplet size, polydispersity Index (PDI), and optimum zeta potential values depicted the stability of PEONE have been observed and validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph image. In silico antibacterial activity was studied by molecular docking of menthol and enrofloxacin with Topoisomerase IV protein (PDB: 1s16;) of Escherichia coli K12 MG1655 and this effect was validated by in vitro and in vivo analysis. In vitro analysis, sustained release of PEONE has been observed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In this study for in vivo experiments (n = 90) day-old broiler chicks were distributed into 6 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 3 birds per replication. Dietary treatments included 1) Negative control (basal diet), 2) Positive control (basal diet + 200 µl enrofloxacin), 3) 25 µl PEONE + basal diet, 4) 50 µl PEONE + basal diet, 5) 75 µl PEONE + basal diet, and 6) 100 µl PEONE + basal diet. Analyzed data by different statistical tools confirmed that PEONE significantly affected body weight gain (BWG) with an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. A significant increase in cecal Lactobacillus count and a decrease in total coliform was observed. Positive effects on physiological parameters, visceral organs, and meat quality characteristics have been observed. In conclusion, our experiments suggest that PEONE can be used in the broiler industry as a substitute for antibiotics to minimize bacterial resistance.

This research characterized and explored the effect of cumin essential oil nanoemulsion (CEONE) on broiler growth performance, serum biochemistry, hematological parameters, and cecal microbial count. Day-old (n = 96) broilers (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to six treatments with five replicates of three broilers each. The dietary treatments consisted of negative control (only basal diet), positive control (basal diet + 200 µL of enrofloxacin), 25 µL (basal diet + 25 µL of CEONE), 50 µL (basal diet + 50 µL of CEONE), 75 µL (basal diet + 75 µL of CEONE), and 100 µL (basal diet + 100 µL of CEONE). The broiler’s body weight gain (BWG) after 42 days of treatment exhibited increased weight in the CEONE group (976.47 ± 11.82–1116.22 ± 29.04). The gain in weight was further evidenced by the beneficial microbe load (10⁷ log) compared to the pathogenic strain. All the biochemical parameters were observed in the normal range, except for a higher level of HDL and a lower LDL value. This safety has been validated by pKCSM toxicity analysis showing a safe and highly tolerable dose of cuminaldehyde. In conclusion, this research observed the potential of CEONE as a multifunctional agent. It is a valuable candidate for further application in combating bacterial infections and enhancing animal health and growth.

In the recent study, the entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae against wheat aphid species in field conditions to check the insecticidal effect of entomophathogenic fungi were used to evaluate their pathogenecity against adults of different aphid species i.e., Schizaphis graminum, Rhopalosiphum padi, Brevicoryne brassicae and Lipaphis erysimi , and their natural enemies of crops. Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae were found effective at all concentrations i.e., 1×10 ⁶ , 1×10 ⁷ and 1×10 ⁸ cfu/ml on all aphid species, but the uppermost concentration (1×10 ⁸ cfu/ml) provided maximum control within a short period of time. B. bassiana concentration (1×10 ⁸ cfu/ml) proved to be lethal to wheat aphid species after the 3 ^rd day. Mortality of wheat aphids were observed at maximum highest concentration of 1×10 ⁸ cfu/ml were in range of 100% at 8 ^th day of treatment for different aphid species treated at various concentrations. M. anisopliae (1×10 ⁸ cfu/ml) showed excellent mortality 85% and 84% at 5 ^th and 6 ^th day respectively, against wheat aphid species. In conclusion, the use of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae as biopesticides in agriculture is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to control insects’ pests.

Introduction: Inflammatory skin disorders require effective topical therapies with minimal side effects. Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, but it has a limited clinical use due to its highly volatile nature, poor solubility, and potential skin irritation at higher concentrations. This research aimed to develop and optimize clove oil nanoemulsion (CONE)-based topical cream, characterize its physicochemical properties, and evaluate anti-inflammatory efficacy using a mouse model. Methodology & Results: CONE was prepared via ultrasonication and optimized using response surface methodology. The optimized CONE exhibited a mean droplet size of approximately 190 nm and Polydispersity Index of 0.08, with high entrapment efficiency (94.54%). GC-MS analysis confirmed eugenol as the major constituent. The nanoemulsion demonstrated strong antifungal activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 120 μl/mL. CONE significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity compared to clove oil. The cream was formulated by incorporating CONE into carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) matrix and evaluated for stability, pH, morphology, and drug release. The cream maintains stability, favorable organoleptic properties, and sustained drug release, particularly at a 1 mL CONE concentration. Thirty adult male albino mice (30–40g) were used and randomly divided into six groups. Hematological parameters and C-reactive protein level further supported the anti-inflammatory efficacy topical cream, with marked improvements observed in treated groups. Histopathological analysis revealed re-epithelialization and diminished inflammatory infiltration. Conclusion: CONE-based cream offers a promising, safe, and effective topical therapy for inflammatory skin conditions. The nanoemulsion formulation enhances clove oil’s bioavailability, stability, and therapeutic potential, supporting further development for clinical and cosmetic applications.

The intestinal tract microbiota influences many aspects of the dietary components on colon health and during enteric infections, thus, playing a pivotal role in the colon health. Therefore, the eugenol (EU) nano-emulsion effective concentration reported in our previous study against cancer cells should be explored for safety against beneficial microbes. We evaluated the sensitivity of Bifidobacterium breve and B. adolescentis against EU-loaded nano-emulsions at 0, 300, 600 and 900 µm, which were effective against colon and liver cancer cells. Both B. breve and B. adolescentis showed comparable growth ranges to the control group at 300 and 600 µm, as evident from the plate count experimental results. However, at 900 µm, a slight growth variation was revealed with respect to the control group. The real-time inhibition determination through flow cytometry showed B. breve viable, sublethal cells (99.49 and 0.51%) and B. adolescentis (95.59 and 0.15%) at 900 µm, suggesting slight inhibition even at the highest tested concentration. Flow cytometry proved to be a suitable quantitative approach that has revealed separate live, dead, and susceptible cells upon treatment with EU nano-emulsion against Escherichia coli. Similarly, in the case of B. breve and B. adolescentis, the cells showed only live cells that qualitatively suggest EU nano-emulsion safety. To judge the viability of these sublethal populations of B. breve and B. adolescentis, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy was carried out, revealing no peak shift for proteins, lipids, DNA and carbohydrates at 900 µm EU nano-emulsion compared to the control. On the other hand, EU-loaded nano-emulsions (900 µm)-treated E. coli showed a clear peak shift for a membrane protein, lipids, DNA and carbohydrates. This study provides insights to utilize plant phenols as safe medicines as well as dietary supplements.

Colitis, an inflammatory condition of the colon that encompasses ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, presents significant challenges due to the limitations and side effects of current treatments. This study investigates the potential of natural products, specifically AH and NSO, as organic therapeutic agents for colitis. Molecular docking studies were conducted to identify the binding affinities and interaction mechanisms between the bioactive compounds in AH and NSO and proteins implicated in colitis, such as those involved in inflammation and oxidative stress pathways. An in vivo experiment was performed using an albino mouse model of colitis, with clinical symptoms, histopathological assessments, and biochemical analyses conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the compounds both individually and in combination. Results from the molecular docking studies revealed promising binding interactions between fructose and Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (Ptgs2) and between fructose and cellular tumor antigen p53, with docking energy measured at −6.0 kcal/mol and −5.1 kcal/mol, respectively. Meanwhile, the presence of glucose molecule glucokinase chain A (−6.3 kcal/mol) and chain B (−5.8 kcal/mol) indicated potential efficacy in modulating inflammatory pathways. Experimental data demonstrated that treatment with AH and NSO significantly reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and ameliorated colitis symptoms. Histopathological evaluations confirmed reduced mucosal damage and immune cell infiltration, while biochemical analyses showed normalization of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress levels. This study provides compelling evidence for the potential of AH and NSO as natural, complementary treatments for colitis, suggesting their future role in integrative therapeutic strategies. However, further research into long-term safety, optimal dosing, and mechanisms of action is warranted to translate these findings into clinical applications.