Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique

ABSTRACT Aloysia citrodora ( A. citrodora ) is an aromatic plant widely used in traditional practices. The present study aimed to characterise the chemical composition and evaluate the in vitro biological activities of A. citrodora essential oil (ACEO) harvested in the province of Settat, central Morocco. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis identified geranial (18.16%), neral (12.13%), cis‐cadina‐1,4‐diene (15.80%), and β‐caryophyllene (8.11%) as the major constituents. The biological potential of ACEO was investigated through antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and total antioxidant capacity), enzyme inhibition assays, and antibacterial activity. Enzyme inhibitory activity was evaluated by measuring the inhibition of α‐amylase and tyrosinase using standard in vitro methods. Antibacterial activity was assessed against selected pathogenic strains using the micro‐broth dilution method. ACEO exhibited moderate antioxidant activity and dose‐dependent inhibitory effects against α‐amylase and tyrosinase. Antibacterial assays revealed sensitivity of all tested strains to ACEO, with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) higher than or equal to the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), depending on the strain. In addition, molecular docking analysis was performed as an exploratory approach to investigate the potential interactions between major ACEO constituents and the targeted enzymes. Overall, these findings provide preliminary insights into the biological activities of A. citrodora essential oil, supporting its interest as a natural source of bioactive compounds. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms of action and to assess safety and efficacy using appropriate biological models.

In the face of growing challenges posed by climate change, enhancing the resilience of the agricultural sector has become a crucial issue to ensure food security and achieve the sustainable development goals. In rainfed areas, agricultural production and the use of natural resources are directly linked to climatic conditions, which explains the multiplicity of adaptation strategies employed by farming households to ensure the resilience of agricultural systems. This research reflects the concerns regarding the strengthening of agricultural resilience in semi-arid regions. The research examines through a Target MOTAD (Minimization of Total Absolute Deviation) model the assessment of different risk level scenarios among farmers in the studied area. The findings reveal that these farmers exhibit a relatively high degree of risk aversion, with an estimated coefficient of ϕ = 1.8. This analysis highlights how farmers balance the risks associated with crop failures and income variability due to climatic uncertainties.The findings underscore the complexity of implementing adaptation strategies that minimize risks while ensuring long-term resilience. Ultimately, the study offers practical insights into how climate resilience can be strengthened through targeted interventions, focusing on both technological adoption and risk management for vulnerable farming communities.