Ammonia solution strong 8.698g / Eucalyptus oil 500mg granules

Public awareness on health and safety issues in using antibiotics for livestock production has led many countries to ban the use of all growth-promoting antibiotics (GPA) for livestock feeding. The ban on the utilization of antibiotics in livestock, on the other hand, is an opportunity for researchers and livestock practitioners to develop alternative feed additives that are safe for both livestock and the consumers of animal derived foods. Many feed additives were developed from a number of plants that contain secondary metabolites, such as essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins. These secondary metabolites are extracted from various parts of many types of plants for their uses as feed additives and anthelmintics. Recent investigations on using essential oils, polyphenols, and saponins as dietary additives and anthelmintics demonstrate that they can increase not only the production and health of ruminants but also ensure the safety of the resulting foods. There are many publications on the advantageous impacts of dietary plant bioactive components on ruminants; however, a comprehensive review on individual bioactive constituents of each plant secondary metabolites along with their beneficial effects as feed additives and anthelmintics on ruminants is highly required. This current study reviewed the individual bioactive components of different plant secondary metabolites and their functions as additives and anthelmintics to improve ruminant production and health, with respect to safety, affordability and efficiency, using a systematic review procedure.

Abstract licence: CC BY

The essential oil isolated from clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is used in food, medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, and aromatherapy for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. This systematic review, following the PRISMA 2020 methodology, evaluates the application of clove essential oil in meat and meat products to determine its effectiveness in preventing oxidative damage and improving product quality. A search was performed in various databases, obtaining 639 studies. After removing duplicates and applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 43 relevant articles were selected. Studies published between 1999 and 2024 that evaluated clove essential oil in meat for human consumption were included, excluding research on extracts other than essential oil or supplements for animal feed. The studies suggest that clove essential oil improves parameters such as oxidative stability, colour preservation, and the reduction in reactive compounds such as thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, thereby increasing the shelf life and safety of meat and meat products. Oxidation is reduced through free radical inhibition and lipid protection. The main variability detected includes the type of meat, application method and storage conditions. The concentrations used ranged from 2.65 mL/kg to 5%. Although variability in methodologies and concentrations used is a limitation for meta-analysis, the findings support the potential of clove essential oil as a natural alternative for preserving meat products, responding to consumer demand for safer foods free of synthetic preservatives.

Abstract licence: CC BY

The investigation into the complementary roles of essential oils (EOs) and organic acids in enhancing rumen physiology is increasingly gaining recognition within the field of animal nutrition. Essential oils are known for their antimicrobial effects, which can specifically target certain microbial populations in the rumen, thereby impacting fermentation processes, methane output, and nutrient digestion. In addition, the integration of organic acids plays a crucial role in stabilizing rumen pH and steering the metabolic activities of bacterial populations toward propionate production, a process essential for energy metabolism in ruminants. The concurrent use of essential oils and organic acids may yield synergistic benefits that could further optimize ruminal fermentation efficiency, enhance feed conversion rates, and lower methane emissions. This systematic review used the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The literature search was meticulously designed to encompass parameters related to ruminant species, feed additives, essential oils, organic acids, synergistic effects, and rumen physiology. The efficacy of both organic acids and essential oils is highly dependent on their concentration and the specific combinations utilized. When certain essential oils are used in conjunction with selected organic acids, they may mitigate any potential negative effects on fermentation, thereby fostering a more favorable environment for the proliferation of beneficial microbial communities. Understanding the relationship between essential oils and organic acids is essential for the formulation of diets that enhance rumen health while concurrently reducing environmental pressures through diminished methane emissions. Future research should prioritize long-term in vivo investigations to gain more comprehensive insights into the interactions among these dietary components and identify the optimal combinations for ruminant feeding strategies.

Abstract licence: CC BY

The rapid escalation of water pollution from industrial effluents, oil spills, and emerging contaminants has created an urgent need for sustainable, high-performance remediation materials. Although surface water covers nearly 71% of the Earth's surface, only about 2.5% constitutes freshwater, and less than 1.2% is readily accessible for human use. Moreover, over 113 billion m3 of untreated wastewater is discharged annually into natural water bodies, further exacerbating global water scarcity and pollution. Lignin accounts for 15-30% of lignocellulosic biomass and contributes more than 60% of its carbon content. It has emerged as a promising precursor for advanced carbon materials. Globally, over 100 million tonnes of lignin are generated annually by the pulp and paper industry, yet 98% is still underutilised or combusted for low-value energy recovery. This review critically summarises recent advances in the conversion of lignin into porous, heteroatom-doped carbon materials via thermochemical routes, including pyrolysis, hydrothermal carbonisation, and chemical activation. Lignin-derived carbons exhibit exceptionally higher surface areas (1700-2285 m2 g-1), tunable pore structures, and rich surface functionalities, enabling efficient removal of heavy metals, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and oils. Furthermore, the adsorption capacities exceed 300 mg g-1 for organic pollutants, while lignin-based foams, aerogels, and sponges demonstrate oil absorption efficiencies greater than 20-40 g g-1 with excellent recyclability. Key adsorption mechanisms, including electrostatic attraction, π-π interactions, surface complexation, and pore filling, are systematically discussed. Furthermore, current challenges related to scalability, regeneration, and process economics are highlighted. Overall, lignin-derived carbon materials offer a low-cost, sustainable, and scalable solution for advanced wastewater treatment and oil-water separation, aligning closely with the principles of the circular bioeconomy and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 6, 12, and 13).

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton is a highly valuable medicinal plant known for a wide variety of chemotypes based on the components of its essential oils. The appropriate and secure medicinal use of P. frutescens has been severely limited due to the lack of chemotype classification standards and pharmacological studies. In this paper, a classification standard for essential oils in P. frutescens was proposed. The pharmacological activities of different chemotypes or their main components were summarized. Genetic and molecular studies related to the formation of different chemotypes were also reviewed. The molecular mechanism underlying the formation of P. frutescens chemotypes is also discussed to pave the way for the innovation of P. frutescens germplasms for medicinal use.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND