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FTIR Characterization and Bioactivity Assessment of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oil: Antioxidant, Anti-Enzymatic, and Antifungal Properties Against Phytopathogens

Summary

Camphor tree essential oil shows promise as a natural, eco-friendly fungicide for protecting crops from fungal diseases. The oil demonstrated strong antifungal activity against several common plant pathogens while also possessing antioxidant and potential antidiabetic properties. This makes it a valuable candidate to replace harmful synthetic pesticides in agriculture, offering benefits for both environmental health and sustainable farming practices.

Background

Cinnamomum camphora essential oil has been traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine for treating inflammation and rheumatism. Essential oils are complex mixtures of volatile secondary metabolites with broad-spectrum pharmacological activities, but the full scope of C. camphora’s bioactivity against phytopathogens remains underexplored.

Objective

This study investigates the antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-enzymatic activities of C. camphora essential oil, emphasizing its potential as a biopharmaceutical agent and eco-compatible fungicide. The research aims to elucidate biochemical properties and contribute to developing sustainable solutions for agriculture and medicine.

Results

The essential oil showed moderate antioxidant activity with FRAP value of 12.5 mmol Fe(II)/g. Complete growth inhibition was achieved against five fungal species at 10,000 ppm, with MIC values of 7,000 ppm for M. laxa and 8,000 ppm for C. gloeosporioides. The oil exhibited low cholinesterase inhibition but promising antidiabetic activity with IC50 values of 7.8 and 2.78 mg/mL for α-amylase and α-glucosidase respectively.

Conclusion

C. camphora essential oil possesses various biological properties indicating potential applicability in agro-pharmaceutical fields. Its potent antifungal activity against economically significant phytopathogens suggests it could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides. Future studies should optimize extraction methods and evaluate in vivo efficacy to enable practical applications in sustainable agriculture and healthcare.
  • Published in:Chemistry & Biodiversity,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40522779, DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202500720
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