The strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) is a very important horticultural crop that is cultivated worldwide. The production system, especially fertilization has a significant influence on the yield and quality of strawberries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of natural calcite foliar fertilizer (Fitosmart (R)) on the strawberry cultivar cv. 'Alba' in greenhouse production. Strawberries were grown in two-row beds covered with black plastic mulch and irrigated using a drip system. Pre-harvest foliar application of Fitosmart (R) was applied on one-year-old plants, at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.5%. Flowering and ripening time, productivity, plant growth, biometric characteristics and biochemical parameters (total soluble solids content, total titratable acid content, vitamin C content, monomeric anthocyanins content, total phenolic content), and antioxidant activity were monitored. The application of 0.5% Fitosmart (R) resulted in the highest yield per plant, fruit weight, and fruit quality, with a significant improvement in fruit firmness and appearance. Additionally, Fitosmart (R) increased the monomeric anthocyanin content, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the strawberries. These results suggest that nanocalcium fertilizer can enhance both the quality and yield of strawberries, thus presenting a promising sustainable alternative to conventional fertilizers.

The abundant use of commercial anti-infective agents has led to the resistance development in bacterial strains, the presence of their residues in animal products and other negative consequences. The aim of the present work was to examine the antibacterial activity of EOs obtained from three plants (Satureja montana L., Ocimum basilicum L. and Salvia officinalis L.) against field isolates and reference bacterial strains of the most important pathogens in the cow endometrium. Their susceptibility was tested in vitro using a disk diffusion method, and the agar dilution test (ADT) and microdilution test (MDT) were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). In addition, the cytotoxic effect of the highest effective oil was tested by MTT, using the two cell lines, i.e. the BEND cell line (endometrium, 24h after exposure), and the MDBK cell line (kidney, 3, 6, 12 and 24h after exposure). The results of the antimicrobial assays suggest that the EO of S. montana, consisting mainly of p-cymene (42.8%) and carvacrol (28.1%), is a potent antimicrobial agent with high zones of inhibition determined on the disk diffusion method, where none of the individual isolates were resistant. Moreover, the calculated MIC values on both ADT and MDT were <1 mg/mL for bacterial isolates of all species. In addition, the oil exhibited low cytotoxic potential on both BEND (IC50=1.27 mg/mL) and MDBK cell lines (IC50=1.02-1.56 mg/mL). The obtained results indicate the possibility of the use of S. montana EO for the treatment of bacterial-induced reproductive diseases in cows.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) affects 25% of the global population, with detrimental effects on the health of women and children. Treatments with iron supplements offer temporary relief but often yield adverse effects, hindering patient adherence. Additionally, IDA is associated with oxidative stress, which becomes significantly exacerbated during iron supplementation. Our study aimed to address this challenge by developing a plant-based nutritional formula rich in bioavailable iron and antioxidants devoid of adverse effects. Chemical analysis of edible plants, focused on the content of iron and iron absorption inhibitors, guided formula development. In vivo studies on rats with IDA evaluated iron bioavailability from the formulated plant-based nutraceuticals. Results of animal studies showed significant improvements in IDA-associated blood parameters after 28 days of oral administration of the nutraceuticals. Additionally, the nutraceuticals did not impede the benefits of iron supplementation. These findings strongly indicate that plant-based nutraceuticals can serve as an effective source of bioavailable iron, potentially improving treatment adherence and at the same time aligning with ongoing WHO and UNICEF initiatives to enhance IDA management.

BACKGROUND:The increasing difficulties in combating anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) of sheep worldwide, and the residues of chemical drugs in animal products and the environment, necessitate the search for alternatives. Previous studies have shown that plant essential oils (EOs) could be valuable anthelmintic agents, due to their numerous advantages. The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of using winter savory (Satureja montana L.) EO against sheep GINs. The chemical composition of the tested oil was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The efficacy of the tested oil was determined in vitro using the egg hatch test (EHT), and in vivo using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) performed in two farms. Preliminary toxicity studies including clinical observation, haematological and biochemical blood analysis were also performed to evaluate the safety of the tested oil to the hosts. In addition, a coproculture study was carried out in the tested farms using the appropriate morphological keys. RESULTS:Main compounds of the S. montana oil identified by GC-MS analysis were p-cymene (42.8%), carvacrol (28.1%) and y-terpinene (14.6%). The in vitro EHT showed a dose-dependent (R2 = 0.94) anthelmintic potential of the tested oil, with ovicidal activity varying from 17.0-83.3% and determined IC50 value of 0.59 mg/ml. The field efficacy reached 33% (at group level) and 50% (at individual level) at D14 after treatment. In vivo efficacy was significantly higher in farm 2 (FEC above 65% at group level, p < 0.05) where sheep were kept in pens during treatment. No toxic effects were observed, either in the physical observation of the test animals or in their liver and kidney function. No significant changes (p > 0.05) in the percentage representation of GIN genera were observed in the coproculture study, indicating that the treatment agent was not specific to a single genus. CONCLUSION:The anthelmintic potential showed on EHT and FECRT, without adverse effects on the sheep, suggests that S. montana EO is suitable for the control of sheep GINs as part of an integrated parasite management. However, further studies should be conducted to increase efficacy in field conditions.

Rose processing into essentials oil is one of the major sectors providing inputs for cosmetics and health/food supplements industry, generating significant amount of wastewater if applying the steam distillation approach. Rose distillation wastewater (RDW), the major by-product of rose processing, still contains a significant load of polyphenolic compounds. This organic burden poses a significant environmental threat for RDW disposal, while, on the other hand, it still contains valuable compounds that could be valorized in the circular economy framework. This study has investigated the possibility of utilizing RDW in various concentrations (10%, 25%, 100% v/v) as a circular tomato growth biostimulant, addressing the existing research gap in the field of circular RDW valorization and its effects on plant growth modulation. LC-MS/MS and antioxidant assays have confirmed a rich antioxidant profile of RDW samples, with gallic acid, quinic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and their glycosides as the most abundant compounds. Tomato germination assays have resulted in significantly improved germination and initial seedling growth parameters when 10% RDW samples PA (‘Pure Aroma’), MA (‘Magic Aroma’) and NA (‘Natural Aroma) had been applied as seed treatment (10 seeds per treatment with each RDW), indicating varying plant growth-promoting potential depending on the RDW chemical composition. The increase in tomato growth parameters compared to the control varied in range 34% (MA)—60% (PA) for root length, 70% (MA)—109% (PA) for shoot length and 43% (MA)—72% (PA) for total seedling length, as well as 43% (MA)—72% (PA) for SVI-I and 40% (NA)—49% (MA) for SVI-II (seedling vigor indices I and II, respectively). Contrarily, the increase in RDW concentration of up to 25% and 100% (v/v) has resulted in inhibition of tomato germination and growth compared to the control (e.g., in range 10–50% (RDW 25%) and 45–87% (RDW 100%) for root length), suggesting the necessity for further optimization of RDW dosage in biostimulant applications. The results of this study open the field of possibilities for further development of circular plant biostimulants based on rose processing by-products, as value-added enrichment of the bio-based solutions portfolio for sustainable agriculture.

Crataegus species (hawthorn) have been commonly used in traditional medicine, especially for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Many studies confirmed that they are rich in polyphenols, thus exhibiting strong antioxidant activity, which contribute to the beneficial effects of hawthorn on the cardiovascular system. In the market, there are many herbal medicinal products based on hawthorn, which consumption as adjuvant therapy in heart-related issues is supported by European Medicines Agency. Since there is a global trend of making homemade herbal preparations, this study aimed to compare whether there is a difference in polyphenol profile and antioxidant potential between homemade and commercial ethanol extracts of hawthorn. Polyphenol profile was evaluated by determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and by quantitative analysis of selected polyphenols by liquid chromatography? mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Antioxidant potential was examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. The results of this study suggest that homemade ethanol extracts of hawthorn flowers, leaves and fruits are just as good source of polyphenols and antioxidants as commercial ones, and their utilization should be supported. Furthermore, hawthorn extracts made of leaves and flowers are better source of bioactive polyphenols and have higher antioxidant activity compared with the same of fruits, regardless of the method of preparation.

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) represent major obstacle to modern sheep farming, where the exclusive use of commercial anthelmintics is no longer a sustainable option due to the development of resistance in nematodes and the problem of drug residues in animal products and the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro phytotherapeutic properties of seven essential oils (EOs) against GINs in sheep. Their chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The anthelmintic potential was evaluated using the egg hatch test performed at eight concentrations for each oil (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195, 0.049, 0.025 and 0.0125 mg/mL). Additionally, a coproculture examination was performed to identify the GIN genera present in the tested fecal samples. The tested EOs showed a dose-dependent (R2 close to 1) ovicidal activity with basil- Ocimum basilicum L. (23.3-93.3%, IC50=0.08 mg/mL), spearmint- Mentha spicata L. (13.0-92.7%, IC50=0.07 mg/mL) and hyssop- Hyssopus officinalis L. (42.7-91.3%, IC50=0.19 mg/mL) being the most effective. The high activity of these oils could be attributed to the high content of the monoterpene alcohol linalool (O. basilicum) and the terpenoid ketones carvone (M. spicata) and pinocamphone (H. officinalis). Four genera of sheep GINs were identified on coproculture examination, i.e. Haemonchus 43%, Trichostrongylus 35%, Teladorsagia 17% and Chabertia 5%. The obtained results suggest that EOs of basil, spearmint and hyssop could represent a valuable alternative in the control of GINs in sheep, which could help to reduce the use of chemical drugs. Future field trials should be performed to confirm these findings.

This study explored the potential of rose aqueous extract (RE), a byproduct of rose essential oil extraction, to enhance the properties of biobased food packaging materials. RE contained a high phenolic content (153 mg of GAE/g of dw), rich in hydroxybenzoic acids and flavonols. The antioxidant potential of RE, assessed by DPPH assay, was evaluated (IC50 = 2.85 μg/mL). Edible pectin films fortified with RE were prepared, and their mechanical, physical, and chemical characteristics were evaluated. RE addition increased the moisture content from 14 to 28%, while moisture uptake remained stable at around 10%. Zeta potential remained below -30 mV, indicating that particle aggregation and particle size decreased with higher RE concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy showed an improved homogeneity of the films. RE retained its antioxidant properties, enhancing the mechanical resistance of the films and offering protection against oxidative damage and UV radiation. These findings suggest the potential of RE in developing functional, eco-friendly food packaging.

Background Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) represent major obstacle to modern small ruminant farming due to their various negative effects on animal health, welfare and productivity. The exclusive use of commercial, synthetic anthelmintics is no longer a sustainable option due to the development of resistance in GINs and the problem of residues of these drugs in animal products and the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro the phytotherapeutic properties of seven different plant essential oils (EOs): Citrus x sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Citrus medica (L.), Mentha spicata (L.), Ocimum basilicum (L.), Hyssopus officinalis (L.), Salvia officinalis (L.) and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. against GINs in sheep. Methods First, the chemical composition (qualitative and semi-quantitative characterization) of the tested EOs was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Their anthelmintic potential was evaluated in vitro using the egg hatch test, which was performed at eight different concentrations of each oil: 50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195, 0.049, 0.025 and 0.0125 mg/ml. Finally, a coproculture examination was performed to determine the genera of GIN against which the oils were tested. Results Some of the most frequently identified compounds in GC-MS analyses were limonene, myrcene, α- and β- pinene, γ-terpinene, sabinene, linalool, eucalyptol, terpinen-4-ol, camphor, etc., with their total number per oil varying from 8 (C. sinensis) to 42 (O. basilicum). The tested EOs showed a dose-dependent (R2 close to 1) ovicidal activity, with O. basilicum (23.3–93.3%, IC50 = 0.08 mg/ml), M. spicata (13.0-92.7%, IC50 = 0.07 mg/ml) and H. officinalis (42.7–91.3%, IC50 = 0.19 mg/ml) being the most effective. The high activity of these oils could be attributed to the high content of the monoterpene alcohol linalool and the terpenoid ketones carvone and pinocamphone. The least effective were S. officinalis (15.0–89.0%, IC50 = 0.53 mg/ml) and C. medica 12.3–95.0% (IC50 = 2.52 mg/ml). Four genera of sheep GINs were identified on coproculture examination, i.e. Haemonchus 43%, Trichostrongylus 35%, Teladorsagia 17% and Chabertia 5%. Conclusion The results obtained suggest that EOs tested, especially wild mint, basil and hyssop, could represent a valuable alternative in the control of GINs in sheep, which could help to reduce the use of chemical drugs. Future field trials should be performed to confirm these findings.

Garden roses, known as Rosa × hybrida, hold a prominent position as one of the most important and economically valuable plants in horticulture. Additionally, their products—essential oil, rose water, concrete, and concentrate—find extensive use in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries, due to their specific fragrances and potential health benefits. Rose flowers are rich in biologically active compounds, such as phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. This study aims to investigate the potential of five new garden rose genotypes with intensely colored flowers to serve as sources of biologically active compounds. Phenolic profile was evaluated by determination of total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC), and monomeric anthocyanins (TAC) contents and LC-MS/MS analysis of selected compounds. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via DPPH and FRAP assays, neuroprotective potential via acethylcholinesterase inhibition assay, and antidiabetic activity viaα-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. The flowers of investigated genotypes were rich in phenolics (TPC varied from 148 to 260 mg galic acid eq/g de, TFC from 19.9 to 59.7 mg quercetin eq/g de, and TAC from 2.21 to 13.1 mg cyanidin 3-O-glucoside eq/g de). Four out of five genotypes had higher TPC than extract of R. damascene, the most famous rose cultivar. The dominant flavonoids in all investigated genotypes were glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol. The extracts showed high antioxidant activity comparable to synthetic antioxidant BHT, very high α-glucosidase inhibitory potential, moderate neuroprotective activity, and low potential to inhibit α-amylase.

Steaming of green timber, a common industrial process for various hardwood species, significantly influences wood properties, including coloration and drying characteristics. However, the environmental implications of substantial volumes of condensate generated during wood steaming underscore the urgency for its sustainable management. This study explores the chemical composition of the condensate obtained during the 90-hour indirect steaming of walnut timber (WTSC), aiming to identify potential applications for this wastewater while addressing environmental risks. Chemical characterization of WTSC included qualitative LC-MS/MS analysis, determination of the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and the content of selected phenolics. WTSC exhibited high TPC (188 mg gallic acid equivalents per L) and TFC (9.74 mg quercetin equivalents per L) values. Additionally, WTSC showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 (DPPH) = 61.4 µg/mL and 103 µg ascorbic acid equivalents per mL in FRAP assay). Specific phenolic compounds detected in the WTSC distinguish it from other wood industry effluents and are a consequence of the unique characteristics of walnut wood and conditions during steaming process. A variety of acids (p-hydroxybenzoic, protocatechuic, syringic, gallic, cinnamic, cinnamic, p-coumaric, o-coumaric, vanillic) and flavonoids (apigenin, genistein, naringenin, luteolin, kaempferol, chrysoeriol, isorhamnetin, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, vitexin, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside, catechin, epicatechin, and quercitrin) were identified and quantified. The condensate exhibited higher TPC value and antioxidant activity than other wood industry effluents, positioning it as a promising natural antioxidant with potential applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. However, our short-term goal is to explore the potential use of WTSC as received – without isolating individual compounds – in studies focused on plant protection, textile dyeing, and wood-based panel production.

Intensification of poultry production has been associated with an increase in parasite prevalence and adaptation of an invasive external parasitic species, such as the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae). The studies of biological efficacy (contact and fumigant) and level of toxicity to mites indicated that the external application of essential oils (EOs) can be an alternative to acaricides. In this study, the results of acaricidal efficacy of eight selected EOs - Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Laurus nobilus L., Mentha x piperita L., Mentha spicata L., Ocimum basilicum L., Salvia officinalis L., Satureja montana L. and Thymus vulgaris L. are presented. Their chemical profiles were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The acaricidal efficacy of EOs (6% concentration) was tested on adult mites over 10 days in laboratory conditions using the Petri-dish method, through direct exposure for 1 min (contact toxicity) and subsequent exposure for 1 h (residual toxicity). The most effective EO in direct exposure-contact, after 48 h of observation, was S. montana (100% toxicity), while the greatest residual effect was observed in T. vulgaris (11% toxicity). The obtained results showed high efficacy of the EOs against the mites through direct contact and thus their great acaricidal potential. However, the activity was lost with subsequent exposure, indicating the absence of prolonged effect. Possible ways to overcome this problem are discussed further in this paper. In any case, the present study confirmed the acaricidal potential of herbal medicines that can be used in the integrated control of poultry red mite.

Background: The increasing difficulties in combating anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) of sheep worldwide and the residues of chemical drugs in animal products and the environment necessitate the search for alternatives. Previous studies have shown that plant essential oils (EOs) could be valuable anthelmintic agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using winter savory (Satureja montana L.) EO against sheep GINs through performing in vitro and in vivo efficacy tests and preliminary toxicity studies. Methods: The chemical composition of the S. montana EO was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For the evaluation of anthelmintic potential in vitro, the Egg Hatch Test (EHT) was performed at eight different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195, 0.049, 0.025 and 0.0125 mg/ml). Field efficacy was evaluated using the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) on two farms where the oil was applied intraruminally to sheep at a mean dose of 150 mg/kg. The toxic effect of the oil was evaluated by physical observation of the tested animals and by collecting blood samples for further haematological and biochemical analyses. Coproculture examination of faecal samples from the tested sheep before and after treatment was also performed to identify the GIN genera present. Results: Main compounds of the S. montana oil identified by GC-MS analysis were p-cymene (42.8%), carvacrol (28.1%) and y-terpinene (14.6%). The in vitro EHT showed a dose-dependent (R2=0.94) anthelmintic potential of the tested oil with ovicidal activity varying from 17.0-83.3% and determined IC50 value of 0.59 mg/ml. The field efficacy reached 33% (at group level) and 50% (at individual level) at D14 after treatment. In vivo efficacy was significantly higher in farm 2 (FEC above 65% at group level, p<0.05) where sheep were kept in pens during treatment. No toxic effects were observed either in the physical observation of the test animals or in their liver and kidney function. Conclusion: The moderate efficacy on EHT and FECRT, without adverse effects on the sheep, suggests that S. montana EO is suitable for the control of sheep GINs as part of an integrated parasite management. Further studies should be conducted to further increase efficacy.

Although they have been extensively studied in many species of the genus Rosa L., garden roses’ hips have largely been overlooked. To investigate their potential use in the food industry, this study evaluated five cultivars from ‘Aurora’ collection: ‘Purple Aurora’, ‘Berry Bush Aurora’, ‘Aromatic Aurora’, ‘Butterfly Aurora’, and ‘Rugose White Aurora’. Morphological characterization, along with the assessment of the phenolic profile, vitamin C levels, and biological activities—including antioxidant and neuroprotective effects—was conducted. The fruit mass reached 5.15 g, while the mesocarp mass ranged from 3 to 4 g, resulting in a mesocarp-to-fruit ratio of over 75%. The total phenolic content ranged from 37.1 to 63.9 mg GAE/g de, while total flavonoids were present in amounts from 0.85 to 2.14 mg QE/g de. Rosehip extracts from four out of five cultivars exhibited a very high vitamin C content, reaching 2384 µg/g fw. Quinic acid and 31 phenolic compounds were found in the rosehip extract of at least one cultivar. Results indicated ‘Aurora’ rosehips have potent antioxidant properties and a moderate inhibitory effect on acetylcholinesterase, highlighting their potential as a source of functional food. Additional research is needed to fully leverage these benefits and establish garden rosehips as a viable alternative to synthetic antioxidants.

Fruit juice production is one of the most important branches of the food and beverage industry, considering both the market size and demand. It is also one of the largest generators of industrial wastewater, considering the large consumption of fresh water during fruit processing. Hence, the appropriate treatment strategies are of the utmost importance to minimize the environmental footprint of food industry effluents. This study aimed to investigate the valorization routes for strawberry juice production wastewater (SJPW), both in terms of nutrient recovery and a circular approach to its utilization as a medium for plant biostimulant production. The results show a low antioxidant capacity and low content of polyphenols in SJPW; however, promising results were obtained for the in vitro seed germination and tomato growth promotion when investigating a biostimulant based on Bacillus sp. BioSol021, which was cultivated using SJPW in a lab-scale bioreactor, with root and shoot length improvements of approximately 30% and 25%, respectively, compared to the control samples. The plant growth promotion (PGP) traits indicated the ability of IAA production, in a concentration of 8.55 ± 0.05 mg/L, and the enzymatic activity was evaluated as through the enzymatic activity index (EAI), achieving the following: 2.26 ± 0.04 for cellulolytic activity, 2.49 ± 0.08 for hemicellulolytic activity, 2.91 ± 0.16 for pectinolytic activity, and 1.05 ± 0.00 for proteolytic activity. This study opens a new chapter of possibilities for the development of techno-economically viable circular bioprocess solutions aimed at obtaining value-added microbial products for sustainable agriculture based on the valorization of food industry effluents thus contributing to more sustainable food production at both the agricultural and industrial levels.

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered type of programmed cell death that is mechanistically different from other types of programmed cell death such as apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy. It is characterized by the accumulation of intracellular iron, overproduction of reactive oxygen species, depletion of glutathione, and extensive lipid peroxidation of lipids in the cell membrane. It was discovered that ferroptosis is interconnected with many diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, ischemia/reperfusion injury, cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Polyphenols, plant secondary metabolites known for many bioactivities, are being extensively researched in the context of their influence on ferroptosis which resulted in a great number of publications showing the need for a systematic review. In this review, an extensive literature search was performed. Databases (Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer) were searched in the time span from 2017 to November 2023, using the keyword “ferroptosis” alone and in combination with “flavonoid”, “phenolic acid”, “stilbene”, “coumarin”, “anthraquinone”, and “chalcone”; after the selection of studies, we had 311 papers and 143 phenolic compounds. In total, 53 compounds showed the ability to induce ferroptosis, and 110 compounds were able to inhibit ferroptosis, and out of those compounds, 20 showed both abilities depending on the model system. The most researched compounds are shikonin, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, and baicalin. The most common modes of action are in the modulation of the Nrf2/GPX4 and Nrf2/HO-1 axis and the modulation of iron metabolism.

The development of anthelmintic resistance in sheep gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) requires novel strategies for the sustainable control of these parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of the Origanum vulgare (L.) essential oil (EO) against sheep GINs and to evaluate the possibility of its use in control practice. The in vitro egg hatch test was conducted at eight different concentrations (50, 12.5, 3.125, 0.781, 0.195, 0.049, 0.025, and 0.0125 mg/mL) of the tested EO. For the in vivo fecal egg count reduction test, the EO of O. vulgare was administrated orally at a mean single dose of 150 mg/kg to sheep from two farms in Southern Italy, whereby potential toxic effects to the hosts were also evaluated. In the egg hatch test, the inhibition of egg hatchability varied from 71.3% to 93.7%, depending on the concentration used. The high anthelmintic potential was confirmed in the fecal egg count reduction test with an average reduction of nematode eggs in feces of 43.2% and 60.1% on days 7 and 14 after treatment, respectively. In addition, no toxic effects were noticed during the clinical examination of sheep or by observing blood count and liver or kidney function test results. The obtained results suggest the strong activity of the O. vulgare EO against sheep GINs, probably due to a high percentage of carvacrol (76.21%), whereby it can be considered safe for sheep at the dose tested in vivo. Therefore, it is suitable for use in veterinary practice as a part of an integrated strategy for the control of sheep GINs.

Nowadays, the exclusive use of commercial anthelmintics for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematode infections in ruminants is less sustainable due to anthelmintic resistance, as well as the problem of drug residues in animal products and the environment. Therefore, an integrated therapeutic approach is needed, including the search for alternatives to synthetic anthelmintic drugs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using the essential oil of peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. For this purpose, the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of this oil and the toxic effects on the hosts were examined. In the in vitro egg hatch test, ovicidal activity varied from 21.0-90.3% depending on the concentration of essential oil used (0.0125, 0.025, 0.049, 0.195, 0.781, 3.125, 12.5, and 50 mg/mL). To some extent, anthelmintic efficacy was confirmed in the in vivo fecal egg count reduction test at a mean dose of 150 mg/kg, with an average reduction of nematode eggs of 26.9 and 46.0% at Days 7 and 14 after treatment, respectively. Furthermore, no toxic effects of applied oil were observed on sheep behavior, kidney, or liver function. The main compounds identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyzes were menthol (32.6%), menthone (22.0%), menthyl-acetate (10.0%), and isomenthone (9.39%). Due to their complex chemical compositions, numerous bioactive ingredients, and natural origin, herbal formulations represent a potentially valuable alternative for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. In this context, the results of the present study showed that peppermint essential oil is one of the promising candidates. Further studies should be performed to collect more data on the safety profile of M. piperita EO in treated animals to find the most appropriate formulation for use in field conditions and to test it against resistant gastrointestinal nematode populations.