Mechanisms and Applications of Citral's Antimicrobial Properties in Food Preservation and Pharmaceuticals Formulations.

Citral is a monoterpene constituted by two isomers known as neral and geranial. It is present in different plant sources and recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In recent years, investigations have demonstrated that this compound exhibited several biological activities, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antibiofilm, antiparasitic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, by in vitro and in vivo assays.

Antibiofilm Action of Plant Terpenes in Strains: Potential Inhibitors of the Synthesis of Extracellular Polymeric Substances.

can form biofilms that contribute to its resistance in food processing environments. Biofilms are a dense population of cells that adhere to the surface, creating a matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) consisting mainly of polysaccharides, proteins, and eDNA. Remarkably, the secreted substances, including cellulose, curli, and colanic acid, act as protective barriers for and contribute to its resistance and persistence when exposed to disinfectants.

Plant-Derived Substances with Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Flavoring Potential to Formulate Oral Health Care Products.

Bacterial diseases and reactive oxygen species can cause dental caries and oral cancer. Therefore, the present review analyzes and discusses the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of synthetic and plant-derived substances and their current and future patents to formulate dental products. The reviewed evidence indicates that chlorhexidine, fluorides, and hydrogen peroxide have adverse effects on the sensory acceptability of oral care products.

Inhibition of Glucosyltransferase Activity and Glucan Production as an Antibiofilm Mechanism of Lemongrass Essential Oil against O157:H7.

The resistance of O157:H7 to disinfection is associated with its ability to form biofilms, mainly constituted by glucans produced by glucosyltransferases. Citral and geraniol, terpenes found in the essential oil of (EO), have proven antibacterial activity against planktonic ; however, no information was found about their efficacy and mode of action against biofilms. Therefore, the inhibitory effect of EO, citral, and geraniol on glucans production and glucosyltransferase activity as anti-biofilm mechanism against was evaluated.

Combination of Cymbopogon citratus and Allium cepa essential oils increased antibacterial activity in leafy vegetables.

Background: Cymbopogon citratus and Allium cepa essential oils (EOs) are rich in terpenes and sulfur compounds respectively, both with antibacterial activity and different cell targets, supporting the idea that their combination can increase their efficacy.

Results: Major constituents of C. citratus were geranial and neral, while A.

Oregano (Lippia graveolens) essential oil added within pectin edible coatings prevents fungal decay and increases the antioxidant capacity of treated tomatoes.

Background: Tomato is a fruit widely consumed due to its flavor and nutritional value; however, it is susceptible to fungi contamination. Oregano essential oil (OEO) is a fungicide whose constituents are volatile; therefore, their incorporation within edible coatings can protect them and maintain their efficacy. In this context, this study evaluated the effect of OEO applied within pectin coatings on the inhibition of Alternaria alternata growth, antioxidant content and sensorial acceptability of tomatoes.

Oregano essential oil-pectin edible films as anti-quorum sensing and food antimicrobial agents.

Edible films can be used as carriers for antimicrobial compounds to assure food safety and quality; in addition, pathogenesis of food bacteria is related to a cell to cell communication mechanism called quorum sensing (QS). Oregano essential oil (OEO) has proved to be useful as food antimicrobial; however, its food applications can be compromised by the volatile character of its active constituents. Therefore, formulation of edible films containing OEO can be an alternative to improve its food usages.

Potential of medicinal plants as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in food industry: a hypothesis.

Many food preservation strategies can be used for the control of microbial spoilage and oxidation; however, these quality problems are not yet controlled adequately. Although synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant agents are approved in many countries, the use of natural safe and effective preservatives is a demand of food consumers and producers. This paper proposes medicinal plants, traditionally used to treat health disorders and prevent diseases, as a source of bioactive compounds having food additive properties.