BACKGROUND: Terpenes are important components of plant aromas, and terpene synthases (TPSs) are the key enzymes driving terpene diversification. In this study, we characterized the volatile terpenes in five different Chrysanthemum nankingense tissues. In addition, genome-wide identification and expression analysis of TPS genes was conducted utilizing an improved chromosome-scale genome assembly and tissue-specific transcriptomes. The biochemical functions of three representative TPSs were also investigated.
RESULTS: We identified tissue-specific volatile organic compound (VOC) and volatile terpene profiles. The improved Chrysanthemum nankingense genome assembly was high-quality, including a larger assembled size (3.26 Gb) and a better contig N50 length (3.18 Mb) compared to the old version. A total of 140 CnTPS genes were identified, with the majority representing the TPS-a and TPS-b subfamilies. The chromosomal distribution of these TPS genes was uneven, and 26 genes were included in biosynthetic gene clusters. Closely-related Chrysanthemum taxa were also found to contain diverse TPS genes, and the expression profiles of most CnTPSs were tissue-specific. The three investigated CnTPS enzymes exhibited versatile activities, suggesting multifunctionality.
CONCLUSIONS: We systematically characterized the structure and diversity of TPS genes across the Chrysanthemum nankingense genome, as well as the potential biochemical functions of representative genes. Our results provide a basis for future studies of terpene biosynthesis in chrysanthemums, as well as for the breeding of improved chrysanthemum varieties.

Satureja is an aromatic plant that is used for flavoring, perfume, and food manufacturing due to its pleasant essential oil. Modern medicine research revealed several biological activities of Satureja essential oil, including antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. However, the functional properties of Satureja fatty acid have not been explored. This study examined the fatty acid profile, lipid nutritional quality, antioxidant, anti-amylase, and anti-lipase capacities of Satureja. The efficiency of Satureja fatty acid on the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory parameters in LPS-induced macrophage through the Nrf2/NF-kB/NADH oxidase pathway was examined. The whole lipid extract was prepared with chloroform/methanol/water solution. Fatty acids methyl ester from whole lipid extract were prepared with methanol/sulfuric acid reagent. The fatty acid profile was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total antioxidant was determined by ABTS decolorization. Lipase and amylase activities were determined by monitoring the decomposition of p-nitrophenyl butyrate and starch. The macrophage cell line was grown in DMEM media in the presence of fatty acid. The hydrogen peroxide production in treated cells was monitored using the FOX reagent. NADH oxidase activity was measured by monitoring NADH breakdown. The expression of NOX, NF-kB, and NRF2, were tested in the treated cells by real-time PCR. The main components of the Satureja fatty acid were linolenic acid (24.67-37.32%), palmitic acid (10.65-20.29%), linoleic acid (8.31-13.39%), oleic acid (4.42-14.35%), stearic acid (2.76-8.77%) and palmitoleic acid (1.77-4.95%). Given the nutritional quality, omega-3 PUFA (23.58-37.32%), SFA (21.53-26.70%), omega-6 PUFA (10.86-16.14%), omega-9 MUFA (4.42-14.35%), and omega-7 MUFA (1.77-4.95%) comprise the majority of fatty acids. Satureja fatty acid has a promising unsaturation index (120.77-164.27), PUFA/MUFA (2.07-6.41), hypocholesterolemic index (2.44-3.47), health-promoting index (2.03-2.42), PUFA/SFA (1.37-1.94), nutritive value index (0.53-1.71), MUFA/SFA (0.30-0.80) omega-6/omega-3 (0.34-0.65), atherogenicity index (0.41-0.49), and thrombogenicity index (0.17-0.27). Satureja fatty acid displayed strong antioxidant capacity (with IC50 ranging from 354 to 428 µg/mL), anti-lipase capacity (with IC50 ranging from 354 to 428 µg/mL), and anti-amylase capacity (with IC50 ranging from 370 to 390 µg/mL). LPS induced the expression of NOX, NRF2, and NF-kB and the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in macrophage cells. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, Satureja fatty acid reduced NOX expression, hydrogen peroxide, and NF-kB expression and increased NRF2 at 0.04 mg/mL. In conclusion, Satureja fatty acids have potent antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-lipase, and anti-inflammatory activities. The mechanisms in lowering oxidative stress markers depended on down-regulating superoxide-producing enzymes at gene and protein levels. Satureja polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids could be recommended for healthy products combined with dietary therapy to treat obesity, diabetes, and oxidative stress.

Pandanus amaryllifolius of Pandanaceae, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been domesticated for its health benefits and aromatic leaves. It is also used for phytoremediation and soil rehabilitation. However, genetic studies of this species are limited. This study aims to expand its genomic information by assembling and characterizing the complete chloroplast genome of P. amaryllifolius. The chloroplast genome, which was 157,839 bp long, contains a total of 133 genes, including 87 protein-coding (CDS), 38 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. The overall G/C content was 37.7%. A phylogenetic analysis using 79 shared unique CDS revealed a monophyletic relationship in Pandanales. Based on the limited sampling size, Pandanus amaryllifolius was the first to diverge in Pandanaceae. The genomic data will be useful for future phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of Pandanaceae.

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae), popularly known as \"erva cidreira\", is one of the most used plants in Brazilian folk medicine. The species has several chemotypes and its volatile constituents have already been characterized, and present different chemical markers with known pharmacological properties, such as analgesic, sedative and antifungal properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticholinesterase activity (AChE) of the essential oil of three chemotypes of Lippia alba and, by using molecular anchoring, determine the best receptor-ligand interaction energies of the main constituents present in the samples of oil. The essential oils were obtained via hydrodistillation (LA1 and LA2) and steam drag (LA3), and their volatile constituents determined using GC-MS. For the determination of anticholinesterase activity, direct bioautography and colorimetry assays based on Ellman\'s method were used. Molecular docking was performed using a multiple solution genetic algorithm and Merck molecular force field 94 (MMFF94) as the scoring function. In the main constituents of the oil samples, three chemotypes were identified for L. alba: LA1 is rich in citral, LA2 is rich in carvone and LA3 is rich in linalool. All L. alba chemotypes showed AChE enzyme inhibition with an IC50 of 3.57 μg/mL (LA1), 0.1 μg/mL (LA2) and 4.34 μg/mL (LA3). The molecular docking study complemented the results of the experiment and demonstrated significant interactions between the main constituents of the oils and the amino acid residues of the AChE enzyme. Irrespective of the chemotype, Lippia alba presents biotechnological potential for the discovery of anticholinesterase substances, with the chemotype LA2 (rich in carvone) being the most active.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is among the most widely used aromatic plants of Lamiaceae, often grown in areas where salinity is an adverse factor. Most studies on the effect of salinity on basil focused on the influence of salt stress on productive traits, while few reported on how it affects the phytochemical composition and the aroma profile. Three basil cultivars (Dark Opal, Italiano Classico, and Purple Ruffles) were grown hydroponically for 34 days with two nutrient solutions that differed in NaCl concentration [no NaCl (Control) and 60 mM NaCl]. Yield, secondary metabolite concentration (β-carotene and lutein), antioxidant activity [1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP)], and aroma profile based on composition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were appraised in response to salinity applications. Salt stress significantly reduced fresh yield in Italiano Classico and Dark Opal by 43.34 and 31.69%, respectively, while no effect was observed in Purple Ruffles. Furthermore, the salt-stress treatment increased β-carotene and lutein concentrations, DPPH, and FRAP activities, and the total nitrogen content of the latter cultivar. CG-MS analysis revealed significant differences in VOCs composition of the basil cultivars, with Italiano Classico and Dark Opal characterized by the predominance of linalool (average 37.52%), which, however, was negatively affected by salinity. In Purple Ruffles, the predominant VOC compound, estragole (79.50%), was not affected by the deleterious effects of NaCl-induced stress.

Elsholtziazhongyangii (Lamiaceae), a new species from Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to E.feddeif.feddei, but it can be easily distinguished from E.feddeif.feddei by smaller corolla (3.2-3.5 mm vs. 4.5-5.3 mm), bract indumentum (glabrous, except margin ciliate vs. villous, especially on veins abaxially, glabrous adaxially) and bract stalked (ca. 1.2 mm vs. sessile). Phylogenetic analyses, based on two nuclear ribosomal (ETS, ITS) and five plastid (rbcL, matK, trnL-F, ycf1, ycf1-rps15) regions, confirmed that the new species formed a monophyletic clade with robust support. The new species is currently known from western Sichuan.

Adenophyllum porophyllum var. cancellatum, known as \"árnica del monte\" in Mexico, is an aromatic annual plant belonging to the Asteraceae family that grows from southern Arizona to central Mexico. The aerial parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases such as irritations, infections, and wounds. In this study, the essential oil of this plant was characterized, and its antimicrobial activity was evaluated. This species has large glands in its leaves; therefore, for quality control purposes, an anatomical study of the leaves was performed. The essential oil was isolated from the aerial parts of the plant through hydro-distillation and analyzed using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system. Its anti-yeast activity was evaluated against three Candida species and ten bacterial strains using the disk diffusion technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using broth microdilution. Anatomical study was performed on the middle part of the leaf. A yield of 0.5% of the essential oil was obtained from the herb, and Eighteen compounds in the essential oil were identified, within them trans pinocamphone (29.5%), limonene (24.7%), pinocarvone (21.8%), and cis pinocamphone (8.0%) were the main components. The inhibition zones were between 10 mm and 20 mm, and the MIC and MFC against the three Candida species ranged from 60 to 500 μg/ml. The leaf anatomy showed anisocytic stomata, simple and glandular trichomes of different types, and large and elliptical-shaped lysigenous glands, which can be used for taxonomic identification. The A. porophyllum var. cancellatum essential oil can serve as an alternative source of natural antimicrobial agents as an affordable approach to control infectious diseases. This is the first study that reports the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil, as well as the leaf anatomy of this species.

The aim of this research is to evaluate the relationship between genotype, phenotype, and chemical profiles of essential oil obtained from available Zanthoxylum spp. Three specimens of makhwaen (MK) distributed in Northern Thailand were genetically and morphologically compared with other Zanthoxylum spices, known locally as huajiao (HJ) and makwoung (MKO), respectively. HJ was taxonomically confirmed as Z. armatum while MKO and MK were identified as Z. rhetsa and Z. myriacanthum. Genetic sequencing distributed these species into three groups accordingly to their confirmed species. Essential oil of the dried fruits from these samples was extracted and analyzed for their chemical and physical properties. Cluster analysis of their volatile compositions separated MKO and MK apart from HJ with L-limonene, terpinen-4-ol, β-phellandrene, and β-philandrene. By using odor attributes, the essential oil of MKO and MK were closely related possessing fruity, woody, and citrus aromas, while the HJ was distinctive. Overall, the phenotypic characteristic can be used to elucidate the species among makhwaen fruits of different sources. The volatile profiling was nonetheless dependent on the genotypes but makwoung and makhwaen showed similar profiles.

BACKGROUND: The strongly scented genus Adenosma R. Brown (Plantaginaceae) comprises between 26 and 29 species with mainly southeast Asian distributions. Several species are used traditionally, mostly in Asian countries, for medicinal purposes including the treatment of colds and tumors, as well as stomach, liver, and skin disorders. Some species are also used as insecticides and/or insect repellents against mosquitoes or fleas.
OBJECTIVE: Although the potential health benefits of Adenosma spp. are not yet well-known or well-studied in modern medicine, the aim of the present review is to provide a critical appraisal of the current state of knowledge regarding the geographical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry, phytochemicals and biological properties of Adenosma spp.
METHODS: Electronic databases (Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scifinder, Microsoft Academic, eFloras), Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched using the key words \"Adenosma\", \"\", \"\", \"\", \"nhân trần\", as well as the scientific names of the species, and a library search was also conducted for articles and books related to the subject published in English, Chinese or Vietnamese, as well as Ph.D. theses and M.Sc. dissertations published before April 2020.
RESULTS: Adenosma spp. is traditionally used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, hepatitis, colds, and skin problems. Phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids constitute the main phytochemicals in these plants. Several evaluations based on bioassays have demonstrated biological activity for Adenosma spp., including antidiabetic, anticancer, and insecticidal activities; extracts and isolated compounds have also shown effective biological activity. However, current research has focused only on a few species, and on limited geographical regions, mainly in China and Vietnam. More and broader ethnopharmacological studies are therefore needed to provide further evidence of the health benefits of these plants.
CONCLUSIONS: Adenosma spp. are plants rich in essential oils, particularly terpenoids, and the crude extracts have valuable bioactive properties. Certain lines of research based on cell lines and animal models show the potential value in different areas of health management. Further investigation into the traditional knowledge in southeast Asian and Pacific island regions, as well as the into the toxicity and identity of the bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action is necessary.

To cope with soil contamination by trace elements (TE), phytomanagement has attracted much attention as being an eco-friendly and cost-effective green approach. In this context, aromatic plants could represent a good option not only to immobilize TE, but also to use their biomass to extract essential oils, resulting in high added-value products suitable for non-food valorization. However, the influence of aromatic plants cultivation on the bacterial community structure and functioning in the rhizosphere microbiota remains unknown. Thus, the present study aims at determining in TE-aged contaminated soil (Pb - 394 ppm, Zn - 443 ppm, and Cd - 7ppm, respectively, 11, 6, and 17 times higher than the ordinary amounts in regional agricultural soils) the effects of perennial clary sage (Salvia sclarea L.) cultivation, during two successive years of growth and inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, on rhizosphere bacterial diversity and community structure. Illumina MiSeq amplicon sequencing targeting bacterial 16S rRNA gene was used to assess bacterial diversity and community structure changes. Bioinformatic analysis of sequencing datasets resulted in 4691 and 2728 bacterial Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) in soil and root biotopes, respectively. Our findings have shown that the cultivation of clary sage displayed a significant year-to-year effect, on both bacterial richness and community structures. We found that the abundance of plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria significantly increased in roots during the second growing season. However, we didn\'t observe any significant effect of mycorrhizal inoculation neither on bacterial diversity nor on community structure. Our study brings new evidence in TE-contaminated areas of the effect of a vegetation cover with clary sage cultivation on the microbial soil functioning.