In vitro and in vivo characterization of citral and limonene combinations against Vibrio campbellii in brine shrimp

摘要: The use of essential oils (EOs) has recently gained popularity due to their antimicrobial properties. However, current research primarily focuses on basic laboratory tests to identify active compounds or screen different plant sources. EOs comprise numerous constituents that interact intricately, complicating the understanding of their effective mechanisms. To address this issue, the study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activity and biological function of two major components (citral and limonene) extracted from the EO of Litsea citrata. Six assays were performed to investigate the antibacterial activity of citral and limonene, including a checkerboard assay, an inhibitory growth assay, a vapor-phase-mediated assay, a regrowth assay, a release of cellular contents assay, and an in vivo bioluminescence assay. Additionally, a challenge test and quantitative PCR of immune gene expression were conducted to assess …