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This review article is the second in a series aimed at providing an in-depth overview of Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin). In part I, the biology and chemistry of lavandin were addressed. In part II, the focus is on the functional properties of lavandin and its applications in industry and daily life. While reviewing the biological properties, only original research articles employing lavandin were considered. Lavandin essential oil has been found to have antioxidant and biocidal activity (antimicrobial, nematicidal, antiprotozoal, insecticidal, and allelopathic), as well as other potential therapeutic effects such as anxiolytic, neuroprotective, improving sleep quality, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic. Other lavandin preparations have been investigated to a much lesser extent. The research is either limited or inconsistent across all studies, and further evidence is needed to support these properties. Unlike its parent species—Lavandula angustifolia (LA)—lavandin essential oil is not officially recognized as a medicinal raw material in European Pharmacopeia. However, whenever compared to LA in shared studies, it has shown similar effects (or even more pronounced in the case of biocidal activities). This suggests that lavandin has similar potential for use in medicine.

Purpose of Review There is growing interest in the relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This review aimed to synthesise the most recent research on this topic to identify gaps in current knowledge, directions for future research and reflect on implications for treatment. Recent Findings Eight studies assessing the presence of ASD in AN were identified in the literature along with three studies examining the impact of symptoms of ASD on treatment outcome. Research with young people and using parental-report measures suggest lower rates of co-morbidity than previous adult studies. Conclusions The wide range of diagnostic tools, methodologies and populations studied make it difficult to determine the prevalence of ASD in AN. Despite this, studies consistently report over-representation of symptoms of ASD in AN. Co-morbid AN and ASD may require more intensive treatment or specifically tailored interventions. Future longitudinal research and female-specific diagnostic tools would help elucidate the relationship between these two disorders.

Lavender species are economically valuable plants, widely cultivated for their essential oils (EOs), which include sesquiterpenes. The sesquiterpenes caryophyllene and cadinol are major constituents, contributing woody and balsamic notes. However, the specific enzymes catalyzing their formation in lavender have not been elucidated. This study reports the comprehensive functional and structural characterization of two pivotal sesquiterpene synthases from Lavandula angustifolia (lavender): caryophyllene synthase (CARS) and cadinol synthase (CADS). Mutation experiments were performed based on molecular docking predictions, revealing that negatively charged residues interact electrostatically with magnesium ions (Mg2+). Both deletion of 1–226 and 1–228 (∆1–226 and ∆1–228) display activity levels equivalent to their corresponding wild-type proteins, while deletions at positions 522–548 and 529–555 significantly enhanced enzyme activity. Additionally, the highest expression levels of CARS were in the flowers under white light for 8 h, while CADS exhibited peak expression in the leaves under white light for 12 h. These findings deepen our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved in sesquiterpene biosynthesis in lavender and provide insights for genetic engineering strategies aimed at enhancing EO production. Such advances could also inform the development of cosmetic, personal care, and medicinal products.

Herbs and the essential oils derived from them have been used from the beginning of human history for different purposes. Their beneficial properties have been applied to mask unpleasant odors, attract the attention of other people, add flavor and aroma properties to prepared dishes, perfumes, and cosmetics, etc. Herbs and essential oils (EOs) have also been used in medicine because of their biological properties, such as larvicidal action, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant, fungicide, and antitumor activities, and many more. Many EOs exhibit antimicrobial properties, which is extremely important in fields of science and industry, such as medicine, agriculture, or cosmetology. Among the 250 EOs which are commercially available, about a dozen possess high antimicrobial potential. According to available papers and patents, EOs seem to be a potential alternative to synthetic compounds, especially because of the resistance that has been increasingly developed by pathogenic microorganisms. In this review we summarize the latest research studies about the most-active EOs that are known and used because of their antimicrobial properties. Finally, it is noteworthy that the antimicrobial activities of EOs are not preeminent for all strains. Further investigations should, thus, focus on targeting EOs and microorganisms.

The cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is one of the most widespread pests worldwide on host plants, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, in open fields or under greenhouse conditions. Their damage is not only caused by sucking the juice from plant tissue but also by their ability to transmit many viruses. In this study, A. gossypii individuals were collected in the seasons of 2022 and 2023 in order to conduct a series of bioassay experiments to evaluate six essential oils, which were Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), Lavender (Lavandula coronopifolia), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), and Anise (Pimpinella anisum), toward A. gossypii adults in different concentrations under laboratory conditions. Results showed that all tested essential oils had varying effects on A. gossypii adults. The most effective essential oil was Cloves, with an LD50 of 2.98, followed by Thyme and Lavender, with LD50 at 3.28 and 4.40, respectively. While other essential oils, Rosemary, Coriander, and Anise, had fewer effects against A. gossypii. The results suggested that Clove, Thyme, and Lavender essential oils, at the corresponding doses, can be used as insecticides as a safe alternative to synthetic pesticides in both IPM and organic approach farms to manage A. gossypii. يُعتبر حشرة مَنْ القطن، Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)، واحدة من أكثر الآفات انتشاراً على كثير من نباتات الفاكهة والخضروات ونباتات الزينة في الزراعة المكشوفة والمغطاة. اذ تسبب هذه الافة أضرار للنباتات عن طريق امتصاص العصارة النباتية، كما ولها القدرة على نقل العديد من الفايروسات النباتية. في هذه الدراسة، تم جمع افة مَنْ القطن في موسمي عام 2022 وعام 2023 لأجل إجراء سلسلة من التجارب الحيوية لتقييم ستة زيوت أساسية وهي القرنفل (Syzygium aromaticum)، الزعتر (Thymus vulgaris)، الإكليل (Salvia Rosmarinus)، اللافندر (Lavandula coronopifolia)، الكزبرة (Coriandrum sativum)، واليانسون (Pimpinella anisum) ومعرفة تأثيرها ضد افراد بالغات حشرة مَنْ القطن في تراكيز مختلفة تحت ظروف المختبر. أظهرت النتائج أن جميع الزيوت الأساسية المختبرة كان لها تأثيرات متفاوتة على البالغات من A. gossypii. كان أكثر الزيوت الأساسية فعالية هو القرنفل، LD50 2.98، يليه الزعتر، 3.28 LD50 واللافندر، 4.40 LD50. بينما كان للزيوت الأساسية الأخرى، الإكليل، الكزبرة، واليانسون، تأثيرات أقل على A. gossypii. أشارت النتائج إلى أن استخدام الزيوت الأساسية للقرنفل، الزعتر، واللافندر بالجرعة المقابلة كمبيد حشري يمكن تطبيقه كبديل آمن للمبيدات المصنعة في برامج إدارة الآفات المتكاملة في الزراعة العضوية للسيطرة على افة مَنْ القطن.

In this study, the lavender essential oil-incorporated polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers were fabricated by the electrospinning technique with the presence of kolliphor as a nonionic surfactant. The FTIR spectra supported the chemical composition of the fibers. The FTIR spectra demonstrated that there is no chemical reaction present between PLA and lavender essential oil. The SEM images of all nanofibers showed bead-free morphology. ImageJ results showed that the average diameter of lavender oil-loaded fibers ranged between 121.6 ± 32 and 228.2 ± 53 nm. All lavender essential oil-incorporated nanofibers were hydrophobic with satisfactory thermal properties. Furthermore, the lavender essential oil-incorporated PLA nanofibrous mats exhibited good antioxidant activity. The results showed that as the concentration of the essential oil in resulting nanofibers increased, the antioxidant activity also increased. According to the results of this study, lavender essential oil-loaded PLA fibers can be considered for a wide range of potential applications such as active packaging, food coating, facial masks, and wound dressing.

Purpose of Review DSM-5 defined avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) as a failure to meet nutritional needs leading to low weight, nutritional deficiency, dependence on supplemental feedings, and/or psychosocial impairment. We summarize what is known about ARFID and introduce a three-dimensional model to inform research. Recent Findings Because ARFID prevalence, risk factors, and maintaining mechanisms are not known, prevailing treatment approaches are based on clinical experience rather than data. Furthermore, most ARFID research has focused on children, rather than adolescents or adults. We hypothesize a three-dimensional model wherein neurobiological abnormalities in sensory perception, homeostatic appetite, and negative valence systems underlie the three primary ARFID presentations of sensory sensitivity, lack of interest in eating, and fear of aversive consequences, respectively. Summary Now that ARFID has been defined, studies investigating risk factors, prevalence, and pathophysiology are needed. Our model suggests testable hypotheses about etiology and highlights cognitive-behavioral therapy as one possible treatment.

Drought stress significantly influences the physiological, biochemical, and molecular processes in plants, directly impacting their growth and defense mechanisms. This study evaluates the response of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) to different levels of water deficit, with field capacity (FC) treatments set at 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%. We assessed various biochemical parameters, including protein content, chlorophyll a and b levels, flavonoid and phenolic content, and antioxidant activity, to determine how drought stress affects lavender’s primary and secondary metabolism. As water availability decreased, we observed a reduction in total protein and chlorophyll content, while the highest levels of flavonoids, phenolics, and antioxidant activity were recorded in control plants at 80% FC. Gene expression analysis of key terpene synthase genes revealed differential expression patterns, with linalool synthase and α-pinene synthase peaking at 40% FC, and 1,8-cineole synthase and β-phellandrene synthase reaching their highest activity under severe drought (20% FC). Despite this, a clear correlation between gene expression and metabolite accumulation in essential oils was not observed. Drought-induced changes in essential oil composition were associated with enhanced antibacterial activity, particularly against foodborne Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting that water stress can modulate the therapeutic potential of lavender oil.

Lavender essential oils (EOs) are economically valuable, with biosynthesis linked to photosynthesis. NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductases (NDHs) play a crucial role in regulating photosynthetic processes. To better understand the functional roles and mechanisms of NDHs, we investigated Lavandula angustifolia NDHs (LaNDHs) using AlphaFold2 for structural prediction and RT-qPCR for expression analysis. Gene LaNDHs showed highest expression in leaves compared to other tissues (stems, roots and flowers), with upregulation under cadmium ion, heat, salt, and blue light. These findings suggest LaNDHs enhance stress tolerance and photosynthesis, offering potential for improving EO yield.