Daniela Batovska

The analytical characterization of essential oils (EOs) is often interpreted primarily in terms of biological variability, although analytical conditions may also affect compositional profiling and data comparability. In this study, the influence of chromatographic conditions on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling was investigated. Five EOs representing chemically diverse plant matrices, including Pistacia lentiscus (resin and stem) and leaf oils from Salvia rosmarinus, Laurus nobilis, and Thymus vulgaris, were analyzed using two capillary columns with different stationary phases: RTX-5MS (5% phenyl-substituted polysiloxane) and CP-Sil 5 CB (100% dimethylpolysiloxane). Comparative analysis revealed reproducible differences in chromatographic profiles and relative peak-area distribution, particularly within terpene-rich regions containing structurally related compounds. The most pronounced effects were observed for highly volatile monoterpenes, which were underrepresented under CP conditions. These findings demonstrate that chromatographic selectivity and column geometry may affect the semi-quantitative representation of EO profiles and contribute to variability in reported compositions. Overall, the results highlight the importance of carefully controlled analytical conditions in EO characterization.

Cytotoxic activity of a series of 3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxychalcones ( 1–25 ) was evaluated against multiple human cancer cell lines under uniform experimental conditions. The compounds were designed to bear simple substitutions on ring B to allow direct comparison of substitution effects. Most derivatives showed higher cytotoxic potency than the reference drug melphalan in the more responsive models. Several compounds exhibited submicromolar half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC ₅₀ ) values ( 7 , 8 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 23 ). Low‐nanomolar activity was also observed. Compounds 4 , 5 , 9 , 10 , 15 , 16 , and 24 showed particularly high potency. However, cytotoxic responses were strongly cell‐line dependent. MCF‐7 (estrogen receptor–positive breast carcinoma) and SKW‐3 (T‐cell leukemia) cells were highly sensitive, whereas MDA‐MB‐231 (triple‐negative breast carcinoma) and K‐562 (BCR‐ABL–positive leukemia) cells were less responsive. In the doxorubicin‐resistant HL‐60/DOX (multidrug‐resistant promyelocytic leukemia) subline, 10 retained activity. Compound 16 showed a nine‐fold increase in potency relative to HL‐60. Hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis (PCA), and descriptor‐based quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) revealed no transferable trends. Molecular docking showed moderate, non‐selective interactions with multiple targets. Similar binding to human serum albumin was observed. Overall, these findings support cell‐line‐resolved evaluation and context‐aware optimization in 3′,4′,5′‐trimethoxychalcone‐based anticancer research.

Honey authenticity control remains analytically challenging due to the complexity of its matrix and the increasing sophistication of adulteration practices. While chromatographic, spectrometric, and isotopic methods provide high confirmatory accuracy, their routine application is constrained by cost, time, and infrastructure requirements. In this context, fluorescence spectroscopy has emerged as a rapid, non-destructive, and cost-efficient screening approach capable of capturing subtle matrix-level compositional variations. This review critically evaluates the application of steady-state and excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence in honey quality and authenticity assessment. Fluorescence is positioned within tiered analytical frameworks as a first-line or intermediate screening tool preceding confirmatory chromatographic or NMR-based analyses. Emphasis is placed on intrinsic fluorophore domains, excitation–emission measurement strategies, and chemometric interpretation, including multiway analysis and supervised classification models. Recent developments in portable LED-based systems, laser-induced fluorescence, nanoparticle-based probes, and data-fusion strategies are discussed alongside key limitations related to matrix effects, spectral overlap, reproducibility, and model transferability. The review provides a structured framework for the strategic integration of fluorescence spectroscopy into contemporary honey authentication workflows.

Mastic gum from Pistacia lentiscus L. has long been valued in Mediterranean medicine and food preservation, yet its bioactive potential remains underexplored in specific geographic contexts. In Morocco, the resin—locally known as Meska Horra—is abundant but insufficiently characterized. This study compared three extraction methods—cold maceration (CM), Soxhlet extraction (SE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)—using sequential acetone and 70% ethanol to recover complementary phenolic compounds from defatted resin. Targeted UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS profiling identified and quantified 30 phenolics, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, providing the first systematic dataset for Moroccan mastic gum. UAE–EtOH extract displayed the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 0.029 mg/mL; ABTS•⁺ IC₅₀ = 0.026 mg/mL). SE–acetone and SE–EtOH extracts showed potent antifungal activity, particularly against Geotrichum candidum, Rhodotorula glutinis, and Aspergillus niger (MBC = 1.7%). The SE–acetone extract exhibited cytotoxicity toward MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 19 µg/mL). These findings demonstrate that extraction method and solvent choice strongly influence phenolic recovery and associated bioactivities, supporting the valorization of Moroccan mastic gum as a promising source for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

Chlorella vulgaris is a nutrient-dense microalga with recognized antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties, making it an attractive candidate for functional food applications. In such contexts, both chemical composition and particle size can influence dispersibility, bioactive release, and physiological effects. In this study, two commercial C. vulgaris powders from India (Sample 1) and the UK (Sample 2) were compared with respect to particle size, metabolite composition, and biological activity. Sample 1 exhibited finer particles, while Sample 2 was coarser. GC–MS profiling revealed distinct compositional differences: Sample 1 displayed a higher relative abundance of saturated fatty acids, β-sitosterol, β-amyrin, and glucitol, whereas Sample 2 contained higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids, betulin, salicylic acid, and specific carbohydrates. In vitro assays showed stronger inhibition of albumin denaturation by Sample 1 compared with Sample 2 and prednisolone. Ex vivo tests indicated that both samples induced tonic contraction of gastric smooth muscle through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and L-type calcium channels, as evidenced by the marked reduction in responses after atropine and verapamil treatment, with Sample 1 producing a more pronounced effect. Immunohistochemistry further demonstrated broader IL-1β upregulation with Sample 1 and localized nNOS modulation with Sample 2. Overall, the results demonstrate that the interplay between composition and particle size shapes the bioactivity of C. vulgaris, supporting its targeted use in digestive, neuroimmune, and cardiometabolic health.

Mediterranean countries represent a dynamic hub of cultural exchange, where wild plants play a significant role in culinary traditions. A substantial number of these plants belong to the Asteraceae family. The climate similarities across the region contribute to the common distribution ranges of the plants. While many species are widely distributed, others are confined to specific subregions, such as the western Mediterranean, eastern Mediterranean, or North Africa. Only six taxa of the traditionally consumed wild Asteraceae plants are endemic to just one country. This review focuses on wild plants from the Asteraceae family traditionally used as food across 13 study sites, comprising 11 countries in the Mediterranean and adjacent territories, including both mainland areas and three islands. The objective is to identify and analyze patterns of native distribution in relation to actual consumption. As a result, 167 edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family were identified. Their patterns of distribution and consumption are described and analyzed. The highest number of these edible wild plants from the Asteraceae family is consumed in Spain (n = 65), followed by southern Italy (n = 44) and Morocco (n = 32). A similar pattern of consumption is seen in Turkey (n = 24), Sicily (n = 23), Jordan and Palestine (n = 21), and Bulgaria (n = 21). It is notable that 106 plants are used as food in one particular country only, although most of them are distributed in several other countries. Many of the species consumed in certain countries are not used by neighboring populations, highlighting a limited cross-border transmission of ethnobotanical knowledge. The findings from a Jaccard index statistical analysis are discussed.

Chamomile essential oils (EOs) are widely used in cosmetics for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Bulgaria, with its long-standing tradition in EO production, provides an ideal setting to examine the influence of species and cultivation practices on oil quality. This study compares the chemical composition and biological activity of EOs from German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile L.), sourced from two major Bulgarian producers—Bulgarska Bilka Ltd. and Kateko Ltd. (Plovdiv, Bulgaria). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) profiling revealed species- and producer-dependent differences. German chamomile EOs were rich in β-farnesene, chamazulene, and bisabolol oxides, whereas Roman chamomile EOs were dominated by isobutyl angelate and related esters. Antioxidant activity, assessed via the ABTS assay, was higher in German chamomile EOs, especially from Bulgarska Bilka Ltd. The oils also showed photoprotective potential, with SPF values of 26–27 for German and 9–16 for Roman chamomile. Anti-inflammatory activity, evaluated by inhibition of albumin denaturation, was highest in Roman chamomile oils and comparable to that of prednisolone, while German chamomile also showed strong effects. Antimicrobial activity was generally low, with moderate effects observed only against Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus flavus. These findings support the targeted use of chamomile EOs in cosmetics—German chamomile for antioxidant-rich, UV-protective, and microbiome-supportive care, and Roman chamomile for soothing, anti-inflammatory, and fragrance-enhancing applications.

Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the “miracle tree”, has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional nutritional profile and broad pharmacological potential. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the plant’s botanical characteristics, taxonomy, cultivation practices, and biochemical composition. Special emphasis is placed on its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites-such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates-which underlie its diverse therapeutic effects. The paper compiles and analyzes evidence from over 200 peer-reviewed studies, documenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects, among others. For instance, leaf extracts have demonstrated potent antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in both animal models and clinical trials, while seed-derived isothiocyanates have shown significant antibacterial and anticancer activity. In addition, clinical and in vivo data support M. oleifera’s role in fertility regulation, cardiovascular protection, and neurodegenerative disease mitigation. Beyond its medicinal applications, the review highlights its growing use in functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmeceutical products, reflecting its commercial and industrial relevance. By consolidating findings across disciplines, this review underscores the multifaceted value of M. oleifera as a nutraceutical and therapeutic resource.

Pistacia terebinthus L., commonly known as the turpentine tree, is a wild-growing species with a well-documented history of use in traditional medicine and ethnobotany. Various parts of the plant—fruits, seeds, resin, leaves, and galls—have demonstrated significant bioactive potential, particularly antioxidant, antimicrobial, and functional properties. Despite these promising attributes, the industrial application of P. terebinthus L. in contemporary food and nutraceutical systems remains limited and underexplored. Recent advances have employed a range of technological strategies—including encapsulation, active food packaging, emulsion stabilization, probiotic immobilization, and fermentation—to improve the stability, bioavailability, and functional performance of P. terebinthus L.-derived extracts within food matrices. These approaches have shown potential in enhancing aroma retention, extending shelf life, and supporting probiotic viability, thereby positioning P. terebinthus L. as a promising candidate for use in functional formulations and natural food preservation. Nevertheless, further investigation is required to optimize processing parameters, assess the long-term stability of bioactive compounds, and establish standardized regulatory frameworks. Addressing these challenges will be essential for facilitating the broader integration of P. terebinthus L. into the functional food, nutraceutical, and food preservation industries.

Mastic gum (Pistacia lentiscus L. resin), traditionally known as Meska Horra in Morocco, is valued for its bioactive properties, although its composition varies depending on its geographical origin. The essential oil profile is also influenced by the extraction method used. This study evaluates the chemical composition, bioactivity, and extraction efficiency of Meska Horra essential oil from eastern Morocco. Specifically, it explores its potential as a natural preservative and functional food ingredient by comparing various extraction methods and their impact on the profiles of volatile compounds. The essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation yielded 1.4% and met the standards of the European Pharmacopoeia despite differing in composition and quantity from Chios mastic gum. The major constituents were α-pinene, β-pinene, and D-limonene, comprising 55% of the oil. The oil demonstrated significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, supporting its potential application in food preservation. Molecular docking indicated that caryophyllene and its oxide are key bioactive compounds, although their effectiveness may be enhanced by synergistic interactions. Comparative analysis of extraction methods showed that headspace (HS) extraction captured highly volatile monoterpenes, while solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and ultrasound-assisted SPME (US-SPME) were more effective at extracting compounds such as cis-ocimene and limonene. US-SPME also extracted higher levels of m-cymene but lower levels of α-pinene. These findings highlights the importance of optimizing extraction methods and further investigating the role of synergistic effects in foods and pharmaceutical applications.