Maria Graça Miguel

This study evaluated the effectiveness of sodium alginate-based edible coatings enriched with essential oils and their major bioactive compounds in preserving the postharvest quality of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). Fruits were coated with sodium alginate formulations containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil, citral, bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) essential oil, or 1,8-cineole, and stored at 5 °C for up to 21 days followed by 3 days at room temperature. Physicochemical attributes, including color, firmness, total soluble solids (SSC), and weight loss, together with lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and microbial quality were evaluated. Storage time significantly affected most quality parameters. Among the coating treatments, significant effects were observed for color, SSC, firmness, and mesophilic bacterial counts, whereas no significant treatment effects were detected for weight loss, lycopene, β-carotene, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, or yeasts and molds. Citral-enriched alginate coatings maintained higher firmness than uncoated control throughout storage, while alginate coatings containing lemongrass essential oil showed higher mesophilic bacterial counts than the control. Overall, the alginate-based coatings produced only modest effects under the conditions evaluated. The limited treatment response may be related to the storage conditions, the characteristics of the selected essential oils, and the good inherent postharvest performance of the ‘Dolcetini’ cultivar. These findings contribute to defining the conditions under which alginate-based edible coatings may or may not provide additional benefits for postharvest preservation of cherry tomatoes.

Cistus ladanifer L., commonly known as gum rockrose, is a Mediterranean shrub of growing interest due to its valuable essential oils (EOs) and labdanum resin. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the chemical composition and biological activities of EOs and hydrolates from C. ladanifer across Mediterranean regions, with particular emphasis on Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and France. α-Pinene, viridiflorol, and camphene were found to be the major constituents in the EOs with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the identified biological properties have prompted studies exploring innovative strategies such as nanoparticle encapsulation, the development of bioactive films, and the incorporation of EOs into food and pharmaceutical packaging. By-products from EO distillation, including lignocellulosic residues, the extraction of phenolic-rich compounds, and hydrolates, have shown potential for value-added applications. Altogether, C. ladanifer represents a versatile species with possible applications in cosmetics, pharmaceutical development, and the food industry.

Apiculture, or beekeeping, refers to the cultivation and management of honey bees for honey and byproducts, including the extraction, bottling, and sale of hive products such as honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee venom, bee pollen, bee bread and other fermented bee products

Thymol, a monoterpenoid phenol present in the essential oils of several aromatic plants, has attracted considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory effects, often in combination with other bioactive compounds. This work explores the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory activity of thymol and thymol-rich essential oils, summarizing recent experimental findings. Inflammation, a key factor in numerous chronic diseases, can be modulated by targeting essential molecular pathways, such as MAPK, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and arachidonic acid signaling. Thymol has been shown to influence these pathways, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, thymol also exhibits a broad range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The applications of thymol and thymol-containing essential oils in therapeutic formulations, food additives, and veterinary medicine are also reviewed. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges such as low bioavailability and toxicity at high doses limit their clinical use. Recent developments in drug delivery systems, such as encapsulation in micro- and nanoparticles, are suggested as strategies to enhance efficacy. Additionally, the synergistic effects of thymol with other natural products are examined, offering the potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Although the plants of the genus Euphorbia are largely exploited by therapists in Morocco, the composition and antibacterial activities of propolis from these plants are still unknown. To address this gap, this study aimed to characterize the pollen type, the volatile compounds, and the phenolic and mineral profiles of three Euphorbia propolis samples collected in Morocco and evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the propolis samples was determined by the microdilution method, and the anti-adherence activity was evaluated by the crystal violet assay. The examination of anti-quorum-sensing proprieties was performed using the biosensor Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. Pollen analysis revealed that Euphorbia resinifera pollen dominated in the P1 sample (58%), while E. officinarum pollen dominated in the P2 and P3 samples (44%). The volatile compounds were primarily composed of monoterpene hydrocarbons, constituting 35% in P1 and 31% in P2, with α-pinene being the major component in both cases, at 16% in P1 and 15% in P2. Calcium (Ca) was the predominant mineral element in both E. resinifera (P1) and E. officinarum (P2 and P3) propolis samples. Higher levels of phenols, flavonoids and dihydroflavonoids were detected in the E. officinarum P2 sample. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value ranged from 50 to 450 µL/mL against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Euphorbia propolis displayed the ability to inhibit quorum sensing in the biosensor C. violaceum CV026 and disrupted bacterial biofilm formation, including that of resistant bacterial pathogens. In summary, the current study evidences the potential use of E. officinarum propolis (P2 and P3) to combat important features of resistant pathogenic bacteria, such as quorum sensing and biofilm formation.