## 3 Results and Discussion
### Previous Studies on the Bioactivity of the Main Components of Azorean C. _japonica Leaf EO_  
As can be seen in Table 3, 37 components were identified in the Azorean \(C\). _japonica_ leaf EO, with 13 being major components: (i) MH \(\alpha\)-pinene (34.5-46.4%), sabinene (11.6-20.2%), limonene (1.4-8.3%), \(\beta\)-myrcene (5.7-5.9%), \(p\)-cyrene (0.3-4.4%), camphene (3.5-3.8%), \(\alpha\)-thujene (1.6-2.8%), \(\delta\)-3-carene (1.1-2.6%), and \(\gamma\)-terpinene (1.1-2.6%); (ii) OCM terpinen-4-ol (1.8-5.4%); (iii) OCS elemol (0.8-10.4%) and \(\alpha\)-eudesmol (0.3-3.4%); and (iv) DH phyllocladene (0.2-2.9%). All of the terpene/terpenoid components referenced have already demonstrated valuable biological properties [13; 53; 54; 55; 13], as shown in Table 5, with \(\alpha\)-pinenebeing one of the most extensively studied [57; 58; 59; 60]. It should be highlighted that \(\alpha\)-pinene plus sabinene account for about 60% of the total content of identified EO components in all studied samples (Table 3). A recent study [59] revealed that _Juniperus communis_ EO and its major components (\(\alpha\)-pinene and sabinene) exhibit anti-quorum-sensing properties and are capable of repressing the spoilage phenotype of pseudomonads. Thus, this juniper OE can be used for the biopreservation of cold-stored fishery products [59]. Interestingly, the yields of \(\alpha\)-pinene (48.3%) and sabinene (8.4%) in juniper EO-HD sample [59] are similar to those found in our EO-WSD sample (46.4% and 11.6%, respectively). Furthermore, in the latter sample, the yield of \(\alpha\)-pinene accounts for about 50% of the total content of identified EO components (Table 3). This MH can be found in many higher plant species (e.g., conifers and _Cannabis_ ssp.) and has been studied for decades. Nonetheless, the number of publication on \(\alpha\)-pinene-related research is steadily increasing. \(\alpha\)-pinene has been used to treat respiratory tract infections for centuries and plays a crucial role in the fragrance and flavor industry [60]. Furthermore, it is a major component of aromatherapy EOs [58]. Moreover, due to their high natural abundance and their broad spectrum of valuable pharmacological and biocidal activities (Table 5), \(\alpha\)-pinene is considered \"a miracle gift nature\" [57] and a \"molecule of interest\" for future drug and agrochemical discovery [60] as well for further bioactivity studies (in vitro and in vivo). Concerning their pharmacological importance, [PERSON] et al. [58] have highlighted that \(\alpha\)-pinene is a promising candidate for further investigation as a novel medicine for illnesses, including stroke, ischemia, inflammatory and neuropathic pain (including migraine), cognitive impairment (relevant to Alzheimer's disease and aging), insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, \(\alpha\)-pinene exhibited activity against methicillin-resistant _Staphylococcus aureus_ (MRSA) ([60] and the references therein), which also highlights its value in one of the most significant health concerns worldwide: antibiotic resistance. Several studies related to biocidal activity revealed that \(\alpha\)-pinene-rich EOs show a broad range of activity against different organisms ([60] and the references therein), such as _Stiophilus zemanais_, a key insect pest attacking stored maize, and pine wood nematode (_Bursaphelenchus xylophilus_). However, synergistic interactions between EO components have to be considered. For example, \(\alpha\)-pinene exhibits a synergistic relationship with limonene (a known ingredient of commercial insecticidal) responsible for the high insecticidal efficacy of some conifer EOs [52]. In this context, it should be noted that the EO-WSD and EO-SD samples investigated are richer in \(\alpha\)-pinene and limonene compared with the EO-HD sample.