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This review presents important botanical, chemical and pharmacological characteristics of Citrus limon (lemon)—a species with valuable pharmaceutical, cosmetic and culinary (healthy food) properties. A short description of the genus Citrus is followed by information on the chemical composition, metabolomic studies and biological activities of the main raw materials obtained from C. limon (fruit extract, juice, essential oil). The valuable biological activity of C. limon is determined by its high content of phenolic compounds, mainly flavonoids (e.g., diosmin, hesperidin, limocitrin) and phenolic acids (e.g., ferulic, synapic, p-hydroxybenzoic acids). The essential oil is rich in bioactive monoterpenoids such as D-limonene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene. Recently scientifically proven therapeutic activities of C. limon include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer and antiparasitic activities. The review pays particular attention, with references to published scientific research, to the use of C. limon in the food industry and cosmetology. It also addresses the safety of use and potential phototoxicity of the raw materials. Lastly, the review emphasizes the significance of biotechnological studies on C. limon.

Regions with a tropical climate are frequently affected by endemic diseases caused by pathogenic parasites. More than one billion people worldwide are exposed directly to tropical parasites. The literature cites several antiparasitic metabolites obtained from medicinal plants or via synthetic pathways. However, fungi produce a diversity of metabolites that play important biological roles in human well-being. Thus, they are considered a potential source of novel natural agents for exploitation in the pharmaceutical industry. In this brief review article, we will provide an overview of the current situation regarding antiparasitic molecules derived from filamentous fungi, in particular, those which are effective against protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, and Leishmania, vectors of some neglected tropical diseases. Diseases and parasitic agents are described and classified, and the antiparasitic properties of natural compounds produced by the fungi of the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota are reviewed herein, in order to explore a topic only sparsely addressed in the scientific literature.

Varicellovirus bovinealpha 1 (formerly bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1, BoAHV-1) is associated with several syndromes in cattle, including respiratory disease and is one of the main agents involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). Its infectious cycle is characterized by latent infections with sporadic virus reactivation and transmission. Although the acute disease can be prevented by the use of vaccines, specific therapeutic measures are not available. Ivermectin (IVM) is a semi-synthetic avermectin with a broad-spectrum antiparasitic activity, which has previously shown to have potential as an antiviral drug. In this study, IVM antiviral activity against BoAHV-1 was characterized in two cell lines (MDBK [Madin Darby bovine kidney] and BT [bovine turbinate]), including the measurement of intracellular drug accumulation within virus-infected cells. IVM antiviral activity was assessed at three different drug concentrations (1.25, 2.5 and 5 µM) after incubation for 24, 48 and 72 h. Slight cytotoxicity was only observed with 5 µM IVM. Even the lowest IVM dose was able to induce a significant reduction in virus titers in both cell lines. These findings indicate that the antiviral effects of IVM were evident in our experimental model within the range of concentrations achievable through therapeutic in vivo administration. Consequently, additional in vivo trials are necessary to validate the potential utility of these results in effectively managing BoAHV-1 in infected cattle.

Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (1–25) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.

This review presents materials characterizing sulfated polysaccharides (SPS) of marine hydrobionts (algae and invertebrates) as potential means for the prevention and treatment of protozoa and helminthiasis. The authors have summarized the literature on the pathogenetic targets of protozoa on the host cells and on the antiparasitic potential of polysaccharides from red, brown and green algae as well as certain marine invertebrates. Information about the mechanisms of action of these unique compounds in diseases caused by protozoa has also been summarized. SPS is distinguished by high antiparasitic activity, good solubility and an almost complete absence of toxicity. In the long term, this allows for the consideration of these compounds as effective and attractive candidates on which to base drugs, biologically active food additives and functional food products with antiparasitic activity.

Polyphenols, as well as volatile compounds responsible for aromatic features, play a critical role in the quality of vegetables and medicinal, and aromatic plants (MAPs). The research conducted in recent years has shown that these plants contain biologically active compounds, mainly polyphenols, that relate to the prevention of inflammatory processes, neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disorders as well as to antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. Throughout the years, many researchers have deeply studied polyphenols and volatile compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants, particularly those associated with consumer’s choices or with their beneficial properties. In this context, the purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the presence of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in some of the most economically relevant and consumed vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants, with an emphasis on bioactive polyphenols, polyphenols as prebiotics, and, also, the most important factors that affect the contents and profiles of the volatile and nonvolatile compounds responsible for the aromatic features of vegetables and MAPs. Additionally, the new challenges for science in terms of improving polyphenol composition and intensifying volatile compounds responsible for the positive characteristics of vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants are reported.

Background Argulosis, caused by Argulus , is a significant parasitic disease affecting freshwater aquaculture, leading to severe economic losses and compromised fish health. This study investigates the antiparasitic efficacy of green-synthesized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) synthesized using Bauhinia racemosa leaf extract against A. siamensis in Labeo rohita . The nanoparticles exhibited a spherical morphology with an average size of 157.60 ± 41.59 nm and a zeta potential of -11.3 mV, ensuring moderate stability. Result The in vivo trial confirmed the antiparasitic efficacy of biogenic IONPs, with 100% parasite removal at 2.25 mg mL⁻¹ within four days of bath treatment. Acute toxicity studies in Labeo rohita established a 96-hour LC₅₀ of 4.786 mg mL⁻¹, while the therapeutic index (TI) was calculated as 3.31, indicating a moderate safety margin. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of ion channel genes - GABA, ICA1, ICA4, and NTR, indicating a neurotoxic effect of IONPs on parasites. Conclusions Overall, biosynthesized IONPs present a promising alternative for controlling Argulus siamensis , demonstrating strong antiparasitic effects with manageable toxicity. Further studies on optimizing nanoparticle formulations and minimizing environmental risks are recommended to enhance their application in sustainable aquaculture.

Residual material from commercial production of the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum was used to develop a cost-effective treatment against monogenean infection, specifically Gyrodactylus turnbulli affecting ornamental fish guppies (Poecilia reticulata). The transparent and highly parasitized tail fin enabled direct observation of the parasites’ detachment and mortality. The residual biomass after fucoxanthin extraction was obtained as dry powder from a commercial producer and used for the antiparasitic preparations. Different preparations were normalized to the amount of biomass, using a constant ratio of 100 mg of residue powder per 2 mL, and included: (1) ethanolic residue extract (RE); (2) free fatty acids (FFAs), and (3) fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs). These preparations were tested in situ, and in vivo, using infected tail clips and fish, respectively. FAEE preparation, obtained by direct transesterification of residue, was the most effective, inducing 40% and 100% parasite mortality within 240 min of exposure to 2.5 and 5 µL mL–1, respectively. In vivo, the 24-h immersion treatment of infected fish decreased infection prevalence from 100% to complete parasite clearance following exposure to 2.5 µL L–1 of all the preparations. The total fatty acid content of the FAEE preparation was comparable to that of the original residue, while extraction (RE) and FFA preparation from RE reduced the fatty acid yield to about 50%. Commercial FAEEs, representing the four major fatty acids (14:0, 16:0, 16:1, and 20:5n3) in all preparations, demonstrated antiparasitic activity in situ, of which EPA was the most active and showed a dose response.

In the present study, the marine actinobacteria mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNps) was achieved using Streptomyces sp LK3. The synthesized AgNps showed the characteristic absorption spectra in UV–vis at 420 nm, which confirmed the presence of nanoparticles. XRD analysis showed intense peaks at 2 θ values of 27.51°, 31.87°, 45.57°, 56.56°, 66.26°, and 75.25° corresponding to (210), (113), (124), (240), (226), and (300) Bragg’s reflection based on the fcc structure of AgNps. The FTIR spectra exhibited prominent peaks at 3,417 cm −1 (OH stretching due to alcoholic group) and 1,578 cm −1 (C=C ring stretching). TEM micrograph showed that the synthesized AgNps were spherical in shape with an average size of 5 nm. Surface morphology and topographical structure of the synthesized AgNps were dignified by AFM. The synthesized AgNps showed significant acaricidal activity against Rhipicephalus microplus and Haemaphysalis bispinosa with LC 50 values of 16.10 and 16.45 mg/L, respectively. Our results clearly indicate that AgNps could provide a safer alternative to conventional acaricidal agents in the form of a topical antiparasitic formulation. The present study aimed to develop a novel, cost-effective, eco-friendly actinobacteria mediated synthesis of AgNps and its antiparasitic activity.

Legume forage is the most economical source of nutrients for ruminants. Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is high nutritive forage growing worldwide and possesses polyphenolics including condensed tannins (CT) that contribute to some of its superior nutritional properties such as improved protein utilization, bloat‐free, and anthelmintic characteristics. This review attempts to capture the latest research in characterizing the impact of polyphenolics on the feeding value of sainfoin with an emphasis on CT. Sainfoin contains a diverse array of polyphenolics and its CT content declines as the plant matures, with an increase in the degree of polymerization and a decreasing proportion of prodelphinidins, resulting in a reduction in biological activity. This forage is best to be utilized between bud to flowering stage to balance the biological activity of CT and biomass yield. Incorporation of sainfoin into alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pasture has been effective in reducing alfalfa pasture bloat due to the presence of CT. New sainfoin populations suitable for survival in high‐performance grazing systems have been developed and have demonstrated superior anti bloat activity due to the increased grazing persistence. Fresh sainfoin is the best feed for cattle for maximum effect of CT, but if it needs to be preserved then hay would be better than silage in terms of preservation of the biological activity of CT. Although greater CT content is desirable for this forage in terms of antibloat and antiparasitic activity, sainfoin with CT concentration at about 50 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) offer the best feed value.