Infectious diseases, including vector-borne and antibiotic-resistant infections, present significant global health challenges, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives for disease control. In this study, we investigated the essential oil (EO) profile as well as larvicidal and antibacterial properties of two wild Apiaceae species used in Algeria: Daucus carota L. (DCEO) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (FVEO). EO was extracted from the aerial parts by steam distillation and analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Major constituents identified in DCEO were geranyl acetate (50.07%) and elemicin (10.77%), while FVEO contained estragole (24.93%), fenchone (20.20%), and α-phellandrene (17.96%). Both EOs were highly effective towards Culex pipiens larvae, with low LC₅₀ values of 30.6 ± 1.06 ppm for DCEO and 34.7 ± 1.06 ppm for FVEO, indicating their potential as bioinsecticides due to their bioactivity and bioavailability. Additionally, the two Eos demonstrated moderate antibacterial efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 43300, respectively, with DCEO showing MIC values of 10 and 20 mg/mL, respectively, and FVEO exhibiting MIC values > 20 mg/mL. However, both EOs showed limited effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 700603. These results highlight the potential applications of DCEO and FVEO as natural bioinsecticides and antibacterial agents, offering promising avenues for further research and development in pest control and food preservation.

The growing demand for natural preservatives in the food industry has highlighted the importance of essential oils (EOs), despite their limitations related to volatility and oxidative instability. This study addresses these challenges by developing pectin-based microcapsules for encapsulating lemon essential oil (LEO) using ultrasound-assisted ionotropic gelation. The EO, extracted from Citrus limon (Eureka variety), exhibited a high limonene content (56.18%) and demonstrated significant antioxidant (DPPH IC50: 28.43 ± 0.14 µg/mL; ABTS IC50: 35.01 ± 0.11 µg/mL) and antifungal activities, particularly against A. niger and Botrytis spp. Encapsulation efficiency improved to 82.3% with ultrasound pretreatment, and SEM imaging confirmed spherical, uniform capsules. When applied to fresh-cut apples, LEO-loaded capsules significantly reduced browning (browning score: 1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 2.8 ± 0.2 in control), microbial load (4.9 ± 0.2 vs. 6.5 ± 0.4 log CFU/g), and weight loss (4.2% vs. 6.4%) after 10 days of storage at 4 °C. These results underscore the potential of ultrasound-enhanced pectin encapsulation for improving EO stability and efficacy in food preservation systems.

This study investigated the in vitro and in silico anticancer and antiviral potential of three Lamiaceae essential oils (EOs), Rosmarinus officinalis (REO), Salvia officinalis (SEO), and Mentha × piperita (MEO). The essays included both Eos tested individually and in combination. Cytotoxicity was assessed in normal dermal fibroblast (NHDF), breast (MCF7), lung (A549), and colorectal (LoVo) cell lines. Antiviral activity was evaluated against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and adenovirus type-5 (AdV-5). Major identified compounds were subjected to in silico analysis against selected cancer- and virus-related protein targets. None of the EOs or their combinations showed cytotoxicity toward NHDF cells. REO exhibited significant anticancer activity against MCF7 and A549 cells, while SEO displayed the greatest antiproliferative effect on MCF7 cells. MEO showed moderate activity against MCF7 cells and weak activity against A549 cells. All EOs and combinations showed limited efficacy against LoVo cells. Combined EOs were more effective against A549 cells, showing synergism for REO combinations, whereas lower activity was noted against MCF7 cells, where the MEO + SEO combination exhibited an antagonistic effect. All EOs and their combinations effectively reduced HSV-1 and AdV-5 titers. In silico results confirmed the binding affinities between the major EO compounds and selected protein targets, supporting their potential as complementary therapeutic agents.

Hertia cheirifolia L. leaves have a long history of traditional use in treating hemorrhoids, diarrhea, rheumatic discomfort, and stomachaches. The aerial part of this plant is extracted using hexane after hydroalcoholic maceration. Analysis of the crude extract by GC-MS revealed the presence of 34 compounds, which were further investigated using in silico techniques. Notably, ligularenolide demonstrated promising cytotoxicity profiles without any indication of carcinogenic activity or cardiovascular risks. In contrast, other compounds exhibited moderate enzyme inhibition alongside notable levels of toxicity. Interestingly, our dynamic studies highlighted the stability of the ligularenolide-human pancreatic lipase (HPL) complex, showcasing its potential as an anti-obesity agent. Importantly, ligularenolide exhibited significant inhibition of HPL, (Predicted biological activities 1115 PBA) compared to orlistat, as confirmed by PASS predictions and docking results. These findings underscore the potential of Hertia cheirifolia L. extract as a natural source of anti-obesity agents, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic applications.

The global demand for natural bioactive compounds has increased interest in essential oils, particularly for applications in the food and nutraceutical industries. However, their volatility, instability, and susceptibility to environmental factors pose significant challenges for formulation and storage. This study focused on the extraction and characterization of essential oil from Citrus limon (Eureka variety), followed by evaluation of its antioxidant and antifungal activities and encapsulation via ionotropic gelation. The oil, obtained through hydrodistillation of lemon peel, yielded 3.85% and was rich in limonene (56.18%), β-pinene (9.89%), γ-terpinene (9.75%), and other monoterpenes. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, phenanthroline, and SNP) demonstrated moderate to strong radical scavenging capacities. Antifungal activity was also con-firmed against Aspergillus niger, Botrytis sp., Fusarium oxysporum, and Penicillium sp., with the highest in-hibition rates observed at 0.3% concentration. To enhance oil stability, ultrasound-assisted pretreatment of pectin was applied before encapsulation via calcium ionotropic gelation. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed improved morphology and homogeneity of capsules treated with ultrasound. Encapsula-tion efficiency reached up to 82.3% at 0.5% oil concentration. To demonstrate food application potential, the encapsulated oil was applied to fresh-cut apples. Results showed a significant reduction in browning, microbial growth, and water loss, along with enhanced firmness during storage. These findings support the use of ultrasonic-assisted pectin encapsulation as an effective method for enhancing essential oil delivery systems in food preservation and pharmaceutical applications.