Silicon dioxide nanoparticles suppress copper toxicity in Mentha arvensis L. by adjusting ROS homeostasis and antioxidant defense system and improving essential oil production

Improvement of Physiological Features and Essential Oil Content of Thymus vulgaris after Soil Amendment with Chitosan Nanoparticles under Chromium Toxicity

“…The consumption of medicinal plants in the pharmaceutical industry is on the rise [1], as these plants offer various ecosystem services, such as healthcare, local economic benefits, cultural value, and heritage, particularly in developing countries [2]. The Lamiaceae family is among the most diverse and extensive herbal families that have been investigated [3], including within the pharmaceutical field, due to the significant content of essential oils that the related plant species contain [4].…”

“…Thyme contains important components in its essential oils, including thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, and ã-terpinene [6], which have numerous healthy properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurological and gastrointestinal properties [7,8]. Aerial parts and volatile components of thyme plants are commonly used in folk medicine to treat coughs, diabetes, colds, and chest infections [1]. This is owing to its recorded antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, antitussive, expectorant, and analgesic characteristics, which are mainly attributed to the presence of the phenolic monoterpenes, thymol and carvacrol [8][9][10].…”

“…This is caused by human activities such as the output of specific industries, mining, and the incorrect use of agricultural products and practices [12,13]. Significant amounts of heavy metals are released particularly when, for example, using wastewater for irrigation, utilizing factory liquid waste, or when adding chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge [1,14,15]. These create unsuitable soil conditions, making agricultural activities difficult [16], and have the potential to kill microorganisms living in the soil [1,12].…”

“…Significant amounts of heavy metals are released particularly when, for example, using wastewater for irrigation, utilizing factory liquid waste, or when adding chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and sewage sludge [1,14,15]. These create unsuitable soil conditions, making agricultural activities difficult [16], and have the potential to kill microorganisms living in the soil [1,12]. Compounds containing chromium are commonly utilized in electroplating, metal finishing, the leather tanning industry, and the production of pigments [11].…”

“…With the global population continuing to grow, there is an imperative for increased crop yields and more efficient agricultural practices. Hence, the utilization of nanomaterials in agriculture is gaining traction [1]. Nanoparticle (NP) compounds, in particular, show potential in advancing sustainable agriculture and precision farming by enhancing crop yields and reducing input requirements such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides [17].…”