Citronella oil liquid

Controlling culicid-borne diseases remains a global public health challenge. While public health actions are vital, individual protection via repellents is essential. Concerns regarding synthetic compounds such as DEET have intensified the search for sustainable plant-derived alternatives. This systematic review analyzed 33 experimental studies that were published from 2020 to 2024. A comprehensive search was performed on SciELO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and LILACS using the keywords "Repellency," "Essential Oils," and "Mosquitoes." Data were independently selected and extracted to evaluate protection time and repellency percentages. The included studies showed low risk of methodological bias according to SYRCLE. Results showed that most of the tested essential oils possess high protective potential. Species such as Perilla frutescens, Leucas stachydiformis, Cymbopogon nardus, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis achieved up to 100% repellency, with protection exceeding eight hours. The cage test was the predominant laboratory method. Essential oils are promising, effective alternatives to synthetic repellents, offering reduced environmental and toxicological impacts. However, this evidence is based on controlled laboratory conditions rather than field trials. This limitation may affect real-world effectiveness, and further research in natural environments is recommended to validate these results for commercial application.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is one of the most destructive soil-borne pathogens affecting tomato production worldwide, causing substantial yield losses and persisting in soil for extended periods. The increasing regulatory restrictions on chemical fungicides and the emergence of resistant pathogen strains have intensified the search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives. This systematic review synthesizes studies published between 2000 and 2025 that evaluated the antifungal efficacy of essential oils (EOs), their bioactive constituents, and EO-based nanoformulations against FOL in tomato. A total of 40 studies were included, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, encompassing in vitro, greenhouse, and limited field evaluations. Many EOs rich in phenolic compounds and oxygenated monoterpenes, such as thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, citral, and menthol, consistently inhibited FOL growth and spore germination, with reported mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 60 to 100% and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 0.05 and 1.5 µL ml-1. However, the use of EOs is often limited because they evaporate quickly, do not mix well with water, can harm plants, and do not persist under field conditions. Nano-delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, chitosan-based carriers, and lipid-based nanostructures, have been shown to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and antifungal efficacy of EOs. This has led to improved disease management and reduced pesticide application rates. In addition, several EO-based treatments have been reported to activate plant defense responses, including the induction of defense-related genes, antioxidant enzymes, and epigenetic modifications. Overall, EO-based nanoformulations show promise as next-generation biopesticides for the sustainable management of tomato Fusarium wilt. Nevertheless, large-scale field validation, standardized formulation protocols, and regulatory assessments are required before these technologies can be widely implemented in agriculture.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Acne Vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder driven by a combination of microbial colonization, immune dysregulation, and disruption of the epidermal barrier. Although isotretinoin remains the most effective treatment, the molecular mechanisms underlying its anti-inflammatory effects are incompletely understood. This study integrates transcriptomic meta-analysis and computational drug screening to identify novel therapeutic targets and candidate compounds for acne management. Three publicly available GEO datasets (GSE6475, GSE10433, GSE11792) were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with isotretinoin response. Among these, Spectrin beta, non-erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) and Signal-induced proliferation-associated 1-like protein 1 (SIPA1L1) emerged as consistently regulated genes with known roles in cytoskeletal organization and immune signaling, respectively. To assess the druggability of these targets, molecular docking was conducted using gentamicin and natural compounds derived from Cymbopogon winterianus, including citronellol, citral, citronellal, and geraniol. Gentamicin demonstrated the strongest binding affinity to SIPA1L1 (-8.6 kcal/mol) and SPTBN1 (-5.9 kcal/mol), forming multiple hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Subsequent 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of the gentamicin-protein complexes, as evidenced by favorable RMSD, RMSF, and energy profiles. Interaction energy decomposition revealed strong contributions from electrostatic and van der Waals forces. These findings highlight the potential of gentamicin, and possibly structurally related natural compounds, as modulators of host inflammatory pathways implicated in acne. The study further underscores the utility of integrating transcriptomics, molecular docking, and MD simulation for early-phase therapeutic discovery targeting inflammation and barrier dysfunction in dermatological diseases.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Lemongrass essential oil (LEO), extracted from high-oil lemongrass, gains prominence as a versatile natural product due to growing demand for safe health solutions. LEO comprises beneficial compounds like citral, isoneral, geraniol, and citronellal, offering diverse pharmacological benefits such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer effects. LEO finds applications in food preservation, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, enhancing profitability across these sectors. The review focuses on the extraction of LEO, emphasizing the need for cost-effective methods. Ultrasound and supercritical fluid extraction are effective in reducing extraction time, increasing yields, and enhancing oil quality. LEO shows promise as a valuable natural resource across industries, with applications in packaging, coating, and film development. LEO's ability to extend the shelf life of food items and impart natural flavors positions it as a valuable asset. Overall, the review emphasizes LEO's therapeutic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, strengthening its potential in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Thermoplastic starch (TPS) blended with biodegradable polyesters such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polycaprolactone (PCL) represents a promising route toward sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. TPS offers advantages related to abundance, low cost, and biodegradability, while polyesters provide improved mechanical strength, thermal stability, and barrier performance. However, the intrinsic incompatibility between hydrophilic TPS and hydrophobic polyesters typically leads to immiscible systems with poor interfacial adhesion and limited performance. This review critically examines recent advances in the development of TPS/polyester blends, with emphasis on compatibilization strategies based on chemical modification, natural and synthetic compatibilizers, bio-based additives, and reinforcing agents. Particular attention is given to the role of organic acids, essential oils, phenolic compounds, nanofillers, and natural reinforcements in controlling morphology, crystallinity, interfacial interactions, and thermal-mechanical behavior. In addition, the contribution of bioactive additives to antimicrobial and antioxidant functionality is discussed as an emerging multifunctional feature of some TPS/polyester systems. Finally, current limitations related to long-term stability, scalability, and life cycle assessment are highlighted, identifying key challenges and future research directions for the development of advanced biodegradable materials with tailored properties.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Background: The control of fleas and ticks in companion animals is a persistent challenge with animal welfare and public health implications. The increasing resistance to antiparasitic treatments, coupled with concerns over the environmental impact and non-target effects of synthetic acaricides, has driven interest in sustainable alternatives. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as potential candidates due to their complex chemistry and modes of action. Methods: This review critically analyzes the scientific literature on essential oils for ectoparasite control in companion animals. Specifically, it examines their chemical composition, multi-target mechanisms of action, laboratory and field efficacy, role in resistance mitigation, and integration into IPM strategies. Results: Several EOs, particularly those rich in phenolic compounds (thymol, carvacrol, eugenol, and cinnamaldehyde), demonstrate promising in vitro insecticidal and acaricidal activity. Their multi-target mechanisms, affecting neuronal, respiratory, and cuticular functions, not only provide efficacy but also represent a significant barrier to rapid resistance development. However, their translation to reliable field performance is hampered by high volatility, formulation instability, and innate variability. Conclusions: EOs represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds for reducing reliance on conventional acaricides and can play a key role within IPM strategies. To realize their full potential in mitigating resistance, focused advancements are needed in standardized testing, formulation science to enhance stability and residual activity, and rigorous field studies to confirm safety and efficacy.

Abstract licence: CC BY