Investigating the potential of Schinus moll e leaf essential oil for weed management, antibacterial applications, and enzymatic inhibition

The striking presence and fragrant foliage of the Schinus genus have captivated human curiosity for generations. In this study, we delved into the chemical profile and explored some biological applications of Schinus molle L. essential oil (EO). GC-MS analysis unveiled 39 compounds, with α-phellandrene (26.42%) and β-phellandrene (18.11%) being the major components. The EO revealed a striking phytotoxic potential significantly curbing the germination and growth of some seeds, with Sinapis arvensis L. being particularly affected. Beyond its phytotoxic feat, the EO possesses a notable antibiofilm activity, though this varied across different strains. Intriguingly, the EO showed no inhibition activity against α-amylase (IC50 > 30 mg/mL), while it demonstrated an IC50 = 23.5 ± 2.3 mg/mL against α-glucosidase. Additionally, moderate inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (IC50 = 1.5 ± 0.2 mg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (IC50 = 2.9 ± 0.6 mg/mL) was registered, further highlighting its diverse bioactive potential. This study paints a vivid picture of the multifaceted wonders of S. molle EO offering insights that resonate across various scientific fields.