The present study reports the chemical composition and bioefficacy of essential oil derived from Nepeta ciliaris Benth collected from the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. A total of 34 constituents, representing 90.64% of the total oil, were identified among more than 45 detected compounds, highlighting a chemically rich profile. The oil demonstrated pronounced nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita, evidenced by significant juvenile mortality and inhibition of egg hatching. Strong antioxidant potential was observed across multiple in vitro assays, including DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide activity, indicating effective free radical neutralisation capacity. Furthermore, the essential oil exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against five bacterial and three fungal strains, with measurable growth inhibition effects. Collectively, these findings reveal the multifunctional bioactivity of N. ciliaris essential oil and underscore its potential as a natural source of bioactive compounds for applications in sustainable agriculture, food preservation, and pharmaceutical formulations.

The present study aimed to comparatively investigate the chemical composition and biological activities of ethyl acetate extract of Coleus barbatus roots (CBREE), its non-polar fraction (CBREN) and polar fractions (CBREP), and the isolated diterpenoid compound forskolin. Chemical profiling of the extracts was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In addition to biochemical assays, biological activities were evaluated in terms of antioxidant, in vitro anti-inflammatory, herbicidal, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-feedant properties. GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 73 compounds accounting for 83.3

The growing demand for safe nutraceuticals and eco-friendly pesticides has intensified the search for plant-based bioactive compounds. In this context, the present study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and pesticidal activities of Plagiochasma appendiculatum extracts, hexane (PAHE), dichloromethane (PADE), and methanol (PAME) to evaluate their therapeutic and sustainable agricultural relevance. GC-MS analysis identified hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, and β-caryophyllene as major constituents in all extracts, while heneicosane was particularly prominent in PAHE. Among the tested extracts, PAME exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity, showing 90.35% DPPH radical scavenging, 86.58% metal chelating activity, and 80.56% H2O2 scavenging at 500 µg/mL, followed by PADE. In nematicidal assays against Meloidogyne incognita, PAME demonstrated the highest efficacy with 95.31% egg hatching inhibition and 67.49% juvenile mortality at 1000 µg/mL after 96 h. Herbicidal assays further revealed complete (100%) inhibition of seed germination, root, and shoot growth at the same concentration. Sustained bioactivity over extended exposure periods suggests prolonged pesticidal effectiveness. Overall, these findings underscore the significance of P. appendiculatum, particularly its methanol extract, as a promising natural source of antioxidant and pesticidal agents, supporting its potential development as a nutraceutical and environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals.

Alpinia malaccensis (Burm.f.) Roscoe is a medicinally and economically important aromatic plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae plant family. This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate bioactive compounds from A. malaccensis fruits as potential plant-derived pesticidal agents. Bioactive compounds were isolated from the acetone extract of A. malaccensis fruits and structurally characterized using HRMS, FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and DEPT-135 analyses. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their pesticidal potential, including nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne incognita, phytotoxic effects on Cichorium intybus and Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus, and insect antifeedant activity against Spodoptera litura. In addition, structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis and molecular docking studies were conducted to understand the molecular basis of bioactivity. In-silico toxicity studies were also performed for the isolated compounds using ProTox 3.0 web server. Six compounds, α-humulene, malakavalactone, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone-1,7-diphenyl-4,6-heptadien-3-one, sumadain A, a phenylbutenoid derivative, and calyxin H were isolated and identified based on spectroscopic analyses. Among these, malakavalactone exhibited the highest nematicidal, phytotoxic, and insect antifeedant activities. The SAR analysis revealed that pesticidal performance was strongly influenced by molecular weight, lipophilicity, polarity, and scaffold rigidity. Compounds possessing moderately high lipophilicity (LogP > 5), controlled polarity (TPSA ∼30–60 Å2), limited molecular flexibility, and balanced aromatic–aliphatic frameworks displayed enhanced bioactivities. Molecular docking further supported the experimental findings by demonstrating favorable ligand–protein interactions with nematode and insect target proteins. Furthermore, in silico toxicity predictions suggested an overall acceptable safety profile. Overall, the study highlights A. malaccensis as a promising source of structurally optimized, plant-derived pesticidal leads and provides mechanistic insight into pesticidal bioactivities.

Alpinia malaccensis (Burm.f.) Roscoe is an aromatic perennial of the Zingiberaceae family with considerable potential for large-scale cultivation as a sustainable industrial crop due to its essential oil yield and pesticidal bioactivity. The present study examined how seasonal variation affects the phytochemistry and pesticidal properties of A. malaccensis leaf and rhizome essential oils (EOs). Fresh plant material was collected in the last month of each season following IMD classification-September 2021 (monsoon), December 2021 (post-monsoon), early April 2022 (winter), and June 2022 (summer). There was a significant influence of season on the EOs yields. The highest rhizome (0.13%) and leaf (0.15%) EOs yields were recorded in the winter and summer seasons, respectively. Similarly, EO constituents are also significantly influenced by seasons. The main chemical class in leaf EOs was monoterpene hydrocarbons, whereas in rhizome EOs, monoterpene hydrocarbons as well as oxygenated monoterpenes were dominant classes. Further, the EOs were evaluated for their nematicidal (against root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita) as well as phytotoxicity against seeds of radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) and chicory (Cichorium intybus). Leaf and rhizome EOs in the winter season showed the highest nematicidal activity with the lowest LC50 (0.211 & micro;L/mL) and IC50 (0.012 & micro;L/mL) values in nematode mortality bioassay and nematode egg hatchability bioassay, respectively. Similarly, rhizome EOs in summer and leaf EOs in monsoon were found most effective against radish and chicory seeds, with a Seedling Vigor Index of 69.6 and 0.68, respectively. To explore the mechanism underlying nematicidal activity, in-silico molecular docking was conducted using selected ligands and nematode proteins, and overall, the findings highlight the critical role of seasonal variation in modulating the bio-efficacy and chemical profile of A. malaccensis essential oils.

Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey) DC, a native aromatic species from the Brazilian Amazon, was comprehensively studied for its anatomical, histochemical, chemical and biological characteristics, including an in silico evaluation. Leaves were subjected to anatomical and histochemical analysis, revealing secretory structures associated with the accumulation of lipids, terpenes, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation (HD) and steam distillation (SD) and chemically characterised via GC-MS, revealing sesquiterpenes such as alpha-zingiberene, germacrene D and spathulenol as major constituents. The SD-extracted oil presented higher antioxidant activity (ABTS IC50 = 6.80 mg/mL; DPPH IC50 = 12.80 mg/mL) and greater toxicity against Artemia salina (LC50 = 4.17 mu g/mL) than the HD essential oil. Correlation analysis indicated distinct biosynthetic clusters of compounds. Molecular docking and ADME analysis highlighted spathulenol and globulol as promising bioactive molecules with potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and favourable pharmacokinetic profiles. These results provide unprecedented insights into the bioactive potential and chemical ecology of M. sylvatica, supporting its application in natural product development.

Five Strobilanthes species indigenous to the Kumaun Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India, have been historically employed in traditional medicine to treat bacterial infections, inflammatory conditions, and respiratory ailments, but remain largely unexplored for aquaculture disease management applications. Dichloromethane extracts of S. glutinosa (SGDE), S. pentastemonoides (SPDE), S. angustifrons (SADE), S. attenuata (SATDE) and S. tomentosa (STDE) were comprehensively analysed by GC-MS for phytochemical profiling, with antioxidant activity quantified using DPPH radical scavenging and ferrozine-based metal chelating assays, and antibacterial efficacy evaluated against Aeromonas salmonicida and Edwardsiella tarda using disc diffusion methodology. Pearson correlation analysis, molecular docking, and ADMET computational modelling were performed to elucidate structure-activity relationships and pharmacokinetic properties. GC-MS analysis identified 42-59 phytochemical constituents per species, with sterols and triterpenes constituting the predominant class. STDE demonstrated superior DPPH radical scavenging activity, while SATDE exhibited optimal metal chelating potential. SGDE and STDE displayed the good antibacterial activities against both pathogens. Pearson correlation analysis identified n-tritriacontane and sclareol associated with antimicrobial activity, while molecular docking revealed superior binding affinities for β-amirone to DNA topoisomerase I and β-amyrin. ADMET assessment identified sclareol, stigmasterol, and 24-epicampesterol as optimal candidates with favorable.

Ageratum houstonianum is an aromatic member of the Asteraceae family with increasing relevance as a potential source of bioactive essential oils. The medicinally significant plant is valued for its phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates the chemical composition, structural characteristics, and bioefficacy of flower and leaf essential oils of Ageratum houstonianum collected from the Himalayan foothills, with emphasis on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and molecular interaction profiles. Essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify volatile constituents based on fragmentation patterns and spectral matching. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radical scavenging, metal chelation, reducing power, and total antioxidant assays. Anti-inflammatory potential was assessed through protein denaturation inhibition. Molecular docking was conducted against cyclooxygenase-2 and superoxide dismutase, followed by ADMET prediction. GC–MS analysis identified chromene derivatives such as precocene I and precocene II as dominant in flower oil, while leaf oil was enriched with sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, including caryophyllene E and eugenol. Structural elucidation based on fragmentation patterns confirmed the presence of these compounds. Leaf essential oil exhibited significantly higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Docking analysis revealed a strong binding affinity of caryophyllene E with both targets, cyclooxygenase-2 and superoxide dismutase, supporting its role in biological activity. The study demonstrates that structural diversity of essential oil constituents contributes directly to their bioefficacy. These findings highlight the potential of A. houstonianum as a source of functionally active essential oils, while emphasizing the need for further experimental validation of molecular predictions. The findings support the prospective utilization of this species as a value-added aromatic oil crop for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional ingredient development.

Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is one of the most damaging pathogens to vegetable crops, contributing to global plant parasitic nematodes (PPNs) losses of approximately 12.6%, worth around $100 billion annually. In this study, the chemical constituents of ethyl acetate extracts from two wild plants, Erythrina arborescens (EACE) and Hedera nepalensis (HNCE) were analyzed via GC-MS along with assessing their potential against root-knot nematode M. incognita as botanical nematicide. Additionally, the efficacy of nanoformulation combining plant extracts with chitosan (EACF and HNCF) was evaluated against M. incognita. Further, chemical characterization of HNCF was studied by DLS, FT-IR, TGA/DTG, and SEM-EDX. Finally, in-silico studies of molecular docking were performed to assess chemical interactions between major compounds and target protein receptors (AChE and GST-1), compared against standard inhibitors physostigmine and ethacrynic acid respectively. GC-MS analysis identified 26 compounds in EACE with phytyl acetate (10.76%) as the major compound and 35 compounds in HNCE, with falcarinol (30.08%), a natural pesticide as the major compound. The results showed that all samples showed significant nematicidal and egg hatching inhibition activity in a dose-dependent manner. HNCF exhibited the highest nematicidal effect, achieving 90 ± 0% larval mortality at 1 mg/mL after 96 h, while EACF inhibited egg hatching by 88.88 ± 0.57%, highlighting a synergistic interaction between plant extracts and chitosan. The results of molecular docking showed that 24-Noroleana-3,12-diene had the best docking score (-8.5 kcal/mol) in comparison to physostigmine (-6.3 kcal/mol), and also in the case of GST-1, 24-Noroleana-3,12-diene showed the best binding affinity (-12 kcal/mol) in comparison to standard inhibitor (-7.2 kcal/mol). Overall, this study provides valuable information on the nematicidal potential of the extracts and their nanoformulation. These findings can be implicated for sustainable agriculture, integrated pest management and the development of natural products with nematicidal properties

The genus Strobilanthes is among the largest and evolutionarily ancient genera of the family Acanthaceae, comprising approximately 400–466 species distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Numerous species are traditionally used in indigenous medical systems for the treatment of various problems like inflammation, pain, infections, diabetes, and skin disorders, kidney disorders, febrile colds, influenza, particularly in India, China, and Southeast Asia. This review aims to systematically compile and critically evaluate the available information on the ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemical composition, and experimentally validated biological activities of Strobilanthes species, highlighting their therapeutic relevance and future perspectives. Relevant literature was collected from scientific databases, including peer-reviewed journals, ethnobotanical surveys, and pharmacological studies. Data related to taxonomy, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Strobilanthes species were analysed & summarised. Phytochemical investigations revealed that Strobilanthes species are rich in terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, glycosides, sterols, and alkaloids. These compounds are associated with traditional applications & diverse biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antidiabetic effects. Strobilanthes species represent an important ethnomedicinal resource with promising pharmacological potential. Further comprehensive studies focusing on safety, bioavailability, and mechanisms of action are required to facilitate the development of novel therapeutics from this genus.

The sustainable management of plant-parasitic nematodes is a growing concern in agriculture due to the limitations of synthetic nematicides, such as environmental toxicity and resistance development. This study reports, for the first time, the encapsulation of Cosmos bipinnatus essential oil (CAO) into chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) for nematicidal application against Meloidogyne incognita. GC–MS analysis identified cis-β-ocimene, cosmene, germacrene D, sabinene, and β-pinene as the dominant constituents. The resulting CSNPs exhibited favourable physicochemical characteristics (mean diameter: 91.2 nm; encapsulation efficiency: 83

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the fruit of Berberis asiatica as a potential source of bioactive anthocyanins and to evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties with insights into molecular docking studies. Methods: Crude extracts were prepared using solvents of varying polarity and characterized by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. The total anthocyanin content was quantified, and antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and total antioxidant capacity. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Additionally, in silico molecular docking studies were performed to examine ligand-target interactions. Results: LC-MS/MS analysis identified eight compounds, including cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-diglucoside, malvidin-3-O-arabinoside, pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, petunidin-3-O-glucoside, catechin, and epicatechin, indicating a pigment profile dominated by mono- and diglycosylated anthocyanins. The total anthocyanin content was 128.72 mg/g dry fruit, exceeding previously reported values for related species. Methanolic (80% v/v) and hydroalcoholic (50% v/v) extracts showed strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 = 10.13 and 12.56 µg/mL, respectively), whereas nonpolar fractions were less active. At 200 µg/mL, these extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones up to 42 mm against Escherichia coli and 41 mm against Micrococcus luteus, along with antifungal effects against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Docking studies revealed favorable binding energies (–7.3 to –8.0 kcal/mol) for key compounds against selected microbial and enzymatic targets. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that Berberis asiatica fruit is a rich source of anthocyanin-based pigments with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. These results highlight its potential as a sustainable source of multifunctional bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications.

Siparuna guianensis is a neotropical aromatic species widely used in traditional medicine whose essential oil exhibits diverse biological activities. However, current evidence remains fragmented and strongly influenced by chemical variability across populations and extraction conditions. This study integrates scientometric mapping, multivariate chemometric analysis, and critical pharmacological review to clarify the relationship between chemical composition and biological activity of S. guianensis essential oil. Publications indexed in Web of Science were analyzed to identify research trends, collaboration networks, and thematic focus. Reported chemical composition data were subjected to principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering to define chemotype patterns and associate them with biological outcomes. The literature reveals a highly centralized and chemistry-driven research field dominated by vector-control and pest-management studies, with limited mechanistic pharmacology in mammalian systems. Chemometric results demonstrate pronounced chemical polymorphism, separating monoterpene-rich and sesquiterpene-rich chemotypes. Monoterpene profiles, particularly those dominated by β-myrcene and aliphatic ketones, are mainly linked to insecticidal and repellent effects, whereas sesquiterpene-rich oils containing germacrene D, curzerenone, spathulenol, and α-bisabolol are more frequently associated with antimicrobial, antiparasitic, enzyme-inhibitory, and antitumoral activities. Despite promising results, most studies remain preliminary. Pharmacological translation will require chemotype standardization, mechanistic validation, safety profiling, and advanced formulation strategies to enable reproducible and clinically relevant applications.

Compounds derived from natural sources continue to serve as chemical scaffolds for designing prophylactic/therapeutic options for human healthcare. This study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, in vitro anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and Herbicidal activity of methanolic extracts from leaves of four medicinal plants of family Myrtaceae: Melaleuca leucadendron (MLeuME), Melaleuca linarrifolia (MLinME), Melaleuca bracteata (MBME) and Callistemone viminalis (CVME). These plants are traditionally used in various therapies in India and across the countries, but comparative analyses are limited. Major compounds identified in Melaleuca leucadendron were (E,Z)-nerolidol (24.7%), betulinic acid (13.6%), ribitol (8.6%), ursolic acid (6.3%), mannitol (5.0%), oleanolic acid (1.7%), threitol (1.4%) and glycerol (1.3%). The major compounds in Melaleuca linnarifolia were betulinic acid (9.9%), quinic acid (6.4%), glycerol (1.2), methyl gallate (1.0%), gallic acid (1.1%), Myo-inositol (2.0%) and ursolic acid (1.0%). The prominent compounds in Melaleuca bracteata were glycerol (1.2%), methyl eugenol (2.5%), quinic acid (3.1%), oleanolic acid (1.1%), betulinic acid (13.4%) and ursolic acid (4.3%), whereas shikimic acid (13.1%), quinic acid (4.5%), gallic acid (7.1%), oleanolic acid (3.0%), betulinic acid (7.3%) and ursolic acid (6.7%) were identified as the major compounds in Callistemon viminalis. Our results showed that Callistemon viminalis had the highest phenolic content (30.26 mg/g GAE). The strongest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity was shown by Melaleuca linnarifolia methanolic extract. Herbicidal activity was shown by all extracts in a dose-dependent manner. All the tested extracts demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory and bactericidal activities. Methanolic extract of Melaleuca bracteata exhibited a strong allelopathic effect, indicating the most potent herbicidal potential among the tested plants. The results of molecular docking studies suggest that most of the phytocompounds show high binding affinity with the protein Human peroxiredoxin 5, indicating their strong antioxidant potential. Furthermore, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion), related physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties have been assessed that support our in vitro findings. Our findings highlighted the four species as promising candidates for therapeutic applications, owing to their strong antioxidant and biological activities, as well as their potential as a source of natural antioxidants. These results provide a foundation for further research into the safe and effective use of these plants in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

The Annonaceae family, which consists mainly of trees and shrubs, is one of the most diverse among the basal angiosperms and is widely represented in Brazilian flora. The genus Guatteria, commonly known as 'envira', is the most numerous, comprising around 280 described species. Several species of the genus have been traditionally used in folk medicine, as well as being the subject of phytochemical and pharmacological studies that demonstrate their therapeutic potential. This review aims to compile and analyze the existing scientific literature on the chemical composition and biological activities of Guatteria essential oils, focusing on their medicinal potential. This review highlights that essential oils from species of the genus exhibit promising activities related to antimicrobial and antitumor potential and was conducted through a bibliographic survey of databases such as SciELO, PubMed, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. Guatteria species exhibit remarkable bioactivity, justifying further research into their phytochemical and pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications, with the aim of developing safe and effective natural products.

Hedychium coronarium commonly known as white ginger lily, is traditionally valued for its ornamental appeal and aromatic properties, yet its acaricidal potential remains underexplored. This study investigates the acaricidal, nematicidal and antifungal activities of essential oils (EOs) extracted from aerial and rhizome parts of H. coronarium collected from two eco-geographically distinct regions of India, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Hydrodistillation followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed six predominant volatile compounds: 1,8-cineole, alpha-pinene, (3-pinene, alpha-terpineol, (3-caryophyllene, and caryophyllene oxide, with their concentrations markedly influenced by plant part and collection site. Notably, 1,8-cineole (33.7-42.2%) was abundant in rhizome oils, (3-caryophyllene reached 9.5%, and alpha-fenchene (26.4%) was unique in Hedychium coronarium aerial part essential oil of West Bengal. These findings highlight the significant geographical and tissue-specific variation in EOs composition. Also, bioassays demonstrated that essential oil collected from West Bengal exhibited superior pesticidal performance, inducing 51.7% nematicidal mortality against Meloidogyne incognita and 67.04% acaricidal mortality against Oligonichus coffeae (Tea red spider mite) at 5.0 mu L/mL. However, antifungal effects against Pestalotiopsis microspora were moderate. Additionally, in silico ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and molecular docking analysis predicted favourable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles for the key bioactives.

Plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, nematodes, and viruses contribute significantly to annual crop losses and economic hardship. Reliance on chemical pesticides, over a thousand used globally, raises major environmental and health concerns. This study evaluates Agave angustifolia (accession no. 1624) as an eco-friendly alternative for managing pests and pathogens. Plant extracts were prepared using hexane (AAHE), chloroform (AACE), and methanol (AAME), with AAME showing the highest yield (5.16%). In vitro bioassays assessed nematicidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, antifeedant, insecticidal, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. AAME was most effective against Meloidogyne incognita, inhibiting egg hatching and increasing larval mortality, followed by AACE and AAHE. AAME also showed strong antifungal activity against Sclerotinia sclerotium, Fusarium oxysporum, and Macrophomina phaseolina, with Sclerotinia sclerotium being the most sensitive. AAME exhibited the highest antibacterial efficacy against Xanthomonas oryzae and Dickeya zeae, while Escherichia coli was insensitive. Antifeedant tests against tobacco caterpillar (Spodoptera litura) revealed AACE (95%) as most effective, followed by AAME (93%) and AAHE (72.4%). Insecticidal activity against white grubs (Holotrachia spp.) showed 100% mortality on Day 7 by AACE, 80%, and 60% by AAME and AAHE, respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed bioactive compounds: AAME contained esters, fatty acids, and sugars; AACE had sesquiterpenoids, terpenes, and steroids; and AAHE comprised ketones, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons. AChE inhibition was highest with AAME (71.10%), indicating potential neurotoxic effects on pests. Overall, Agave angustifolia demonstrates promise as a sustainable, low-cost alternative to synthetic pesticides, particularly for marginal farmers. Further research is needed to isolate active constituents, determine mechanisms of action, and develop formulations for practical agricultural use.

The increasing resistance of plant-parasitic nematodes like Meloidogyne incognita to synthetic nematicides necessitates the exploration of sustainable alternatives. In this study, Lycopodium clavatum (LC), a medicinal fern traditionally valued for its alkaloid-rich profile, was investigated for its nematicidal potential against M. incognita for the first time. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition, nematicidal activity, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory properties of various solvent extracts of LC such as hexane (LYHE), dichloromethane (LYDE), and methanol (LYME) extracts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed distinct chemical profiles: LYHE was dominated by fatty acids and hydrocarbons, with n-decanoic acid (43.71%) as the major component, while LYDE exhibited diverse bioactive compounds, including diterpenoids like thunbergol (12.20%), and alkaloids such as lycopodine (13.68%). LYME was rich in polar compounds, such as guanosine (10.54%), and also contained significant levels of lycopodine (26.72%), highlighting its versatile extraction capabilities. Nematicidal assays demonstrated LYME as the most potent extract, achieving 95.67% mortality at 1000 & micro;g/mL after 96 h, followed by LYDE (89.33%) and LYHE (67.67%). LYDE exhibited superior egg-hatching inhibition, achieving 100% inhibition at 1000 & micro;g/mL within 24 h. AChE inhibition assays identified LYDE as the most potent inhibitor (IC50 = 49.33 & micro;g/mL), outperforming LYME (108.37 & micro;g/mL) and LYHE (289.78 & micro;g/mL). LYDE was closed to the standard inhibitor, physostigmine (19.37 & micro;g/mL). Molecular docking further supported the potential mode of action, with guanosine, alpha-obscurine, and stigmasterol showing strong binding affinities (-8.4 to -8.1 kcal/mol) against the homology-modeled AChE of M. incognita. These findings underscore the nematicidal efficacy of Lycopodium clavatum, particularly LYDE and LYME, and highlight their potential as ecofriendly alternatives to synthetic nematicides.

This study explores the biocontrol potential of two labdane-type diterpenes, coronarin A and villosin, isolated from the rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig. The compounds were structurally characterized using FTIR, UV-Vis, HPLC, and mass spectrometry. Their bioactivities were evaluated against the red spider mite (Oligonychus coffeae), the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), and the fungal pathogen Pestalotiopsis microspora. Coronarin A exhibited superior nematicidal activity, with 82.05% juvenile mortality and significant egg hatching inhibition at 5.0 mg/mL. Villosin demonstrated stronger acaricidal efficacy, achieving 90.28% mite mortality at the same concentration. Moderate antifungal effects were observed, particularly with villosin. Molecular docking studies revealed strong binding affinities of both compounds to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and GABA transaminase (GABA-T), supporting their pesticidal mechanisms. ADMET analysis indicated favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles, highlighting their safety and potential for agricultural applications. This study highlights the safety and potential biopesticidal potential of the compounds, as evidenced by in vitro and in silico analyses; however, their suitability for agricultural applications will be evaluated through further field trials in future research.

This review compiles the chemical composition, chemometric patterns, and biological activities of essential oils from Myrcia sylvatica (G. Mey.) DC. A total of 216 volatile constituents were reported, mainly hydrocarbon and oxygenated sesquiterpenes, including (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene B, spathulenol, and (Z)-α-trans-bergamotene. Multivariate analyses revealed structured compositional clusters and putative chemotypes, highlighting metabolites responsible for sample differentiation and chemical variability among studies. Because the dataset integrates independent reports obtained under different ecological and methodological conditions, the chemometric results are interpreted as descriptive patterns rather than causal relationships. Reported bioassays indicate antioxidant activity, antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria, and toxicity towards Artemia salina, suggesting pharmacological and agrochemical potential. However, the limited number of studies and methodological heterogeneity restrict comparisons. These findings provide a framework for understanding the chemical diversity of M. sylvatica essential oils and support future integrative studies using standardised sampling and molecular tools to clarify metabolic variability and enable sustainable applications.