Search Results (7,677)

The antimicrobial activity of an aqueous extract of the leaves of Schinus polygamus (cav.) Cabrera against microorganisms of food importance was evaluated. First, the leaf aqueous extract of Schinus polygamus was characterized, quantifying hydroxycinnamic acids and phenolic compounds. Then, a battery of strains was tested, including Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932. Also, we tested wine spoilage yeasts such as Brettanomyces bruxellensis LAMAP2480, B. bruxellensis LAMAP1359, B. bruxellensis CECT1451, and Pichia guilliermondii NPCC1051. Tests were conducted using the kinetic curve of growth and cell viability counts. The results indicate that with 10% v/v of concentrated extract, it is possible to observe growth inhibition of all microorganisms studied, with statistically significant differences during the whole measurement time (70 h for bacteria and 145 h for yeast). Full article

This study aimed to provide scientific data on the anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) effects of phenolic compounds from Drynariae Rhizoma (DR) extract using a multi-component approach. Screening of DR extracts, fractions, and the ten phenolic compounds isolated from DR against the key AD-related enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) confirmed their significant inhibitory activities. The DR extract was confirmed to have BACE1-inhibitory activity, and the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions were found to inhibit all AD-related enzymes, including BACE1, AChE, BChE, and MAO-B. Among the isolated phenolic compounds, compounds (2) caffeic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, (6) kaempferol 3-O-rhamnoside 7-O-glucoside, (7) kaempferol 3-o-b-d-glucopyranoside-7-o-a-L-arabinofuranoside, (8) neoeriocitrin, (9) naringin, and (10) hesperidin significantly suppressed AD-related enzymes. Notably, compounds 2 and 8 reduced soluble Amyloid Precursor Protein β (sAPPβ) and β-secretase expression by over 45% at a concentration of 1.0 μM. In the thioflavin T assay, compounds 6 and 7 decreased Aβ aggregation by approximately 40% and 80%, respectively, and degraded preformed Aβ aggregates. This study provides robust evidence regarding the potential of DR as a natural therapeutic agent for AD, highlighting specific compounds that may contribute to its efficacy. Full article

The leaves of Nicotiana glauca (N. glauca; Solanaceae) plant are a known, major human health concern. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and polyphenols composition of aerial parts of N. glauca collected from its wild habitat in Jordan, using Methanol-Conventional (MC) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) extraction methods in addition to nicotine content determination using UHPLC. Our results showed that the MC extract contains fewer total phenols and flavonoid content than the 90% DES extract, (0.1194 ± 0.009 and 0.311 ± 0.020 mg/mL equivalent to gallic acid) and (0.01084 ± 0.005 and 0.928 ± 0.09 mg/mL equivalent to rutin), respectively. Moreover, this study showed that the prepared MC extract contain 635.07 ppm nicotine, while the 90% DES extract contain 1194.91 ppm nicotine. Extracts prepared using the MC and the DES methods exhibited weak antioxidant activities; the highest was a 33% inhibition rate (equivalent to ascorbic acid), obtained by the 90% DES extract,. The performed UHPLC-MS/MS analysis in this study also revealed the presence of variations in the detected compounds between the two extraction methods. Furthermore, this study found that environmentally friendly DES extraction of N. glauca produced higher phenol and flavonoid content than the MC method; this highlights the superior efficiency and environmental benefits of sustainable chemistry methods for extracting valuable phytoconstituents. Full article

The current research focuses on the optimization of accelerated solvent extraction, a potential alternative to conventional solvent extraction, for the extraction of phenolics from Greek oregano. The response surface methodology based on central composite design was used to optimize methanol concentration (X₁, 40–80%), extraction time (X₂, 3–9 min, 3 cycles), and extraction temperature (X₃, 60–140 °C). Under the optimal extraction conditions (methanol concentration of 74%, extraction time of 9 min, extraction temperature of 140 °C), the experimental values for extraction yield (%), total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), and antioxidant capacity matched those predicted, therefore validating the model adequately. The oregano extracts were rich in phenolic compounds, with rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B being the most prevalent phenolic components. The results obtained revealed that ASE can be utilized for the extraction of bioactive compounds, and there are advantages to preserving phenolic content if optimization is applied. Full article

This study aimed to investigate variations in the phytochemical compound contents and antioxidant potential of the ethanol rhizome extracts of Smilax china L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, from different parts of Korea, namely Uiwang (Mt. Gamnamugol), Gyeonggi Province (SC1); Geochang, Gyeongnam Province (SC2); Yeongwol, Gangwon Province (SC3); and Chungju, Chungbuk Province (SC4). The phenolic and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging activity, and proximate composition of the ethanol extracts from the rhizome samples were determined. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the extracts ranged between 13.6 and 67.5 mg tannic acid equivalent/g. TPC analysis showed that TPC was higher in SC2 than in SC3, SC4, or SC1. Among the rhizome samples, the SC3 rhizomes had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.2 mg quercetin equivalents/g). Additionally, SC2 showed the highest radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS⁺ radicals. Chemical characterization using UPLC/UV revealed that the extracts contained compounds such as apiin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and chlorogenic acid. Specifically, in SC2, chlorogenic acid was the dominant compound, which supported the levels observed in the UPLC/UV and HPLC/ELSD investigations. Dioscin, another phytochemical, was detected in SC2, SC3, and SC4, indicating the diversity of compounds among the rhizome extracts. Variations in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed in the extracts from the different regions, underlining the role of geographical variation in the functional characteristics of S. china. The observed differences could have important implications for the medicinal use of S. china extracts in applications such as anti-inflammatory treatments, diabetes management, and potential anticancer therapies. This study underscores the critical need to consider geographical origin when sourcing and utilizing S. china for therapeutic purposes, as it may significantly impact its bioactive profile and efficacy. Full article

The Mexican oregano by-products are a source of bioactive molecules (polyphenols) that could be extracted using solid-state fermentation (SSF). This study fermented the by-products via SSF (120 h) with a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Sequentially, a bioactive and chemical determination was made according to the phenolic content, antioxidant activity (DPPH^●/FRAP), bioactive properties (α-amylase inhibition and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli), and chemical composition (HPLC-MS). The results showed that the total phenolics and flavonoid content, as well as the antioxidant activity, increased (0.60, 2.55, and 3.01 times, respectively) during the SSF process compared with unfermented material. Also, the extracts showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli and α-amylase inhibition. These inhibitory results could be attributed to bioactive compounds identified via HPLC, such as gardenin B, trachelogenin, ferulic acid, and resveratrol 3-O-glucoside. Therefore, the application of L. mesenteroides under SSF on oregano by-products comprises an eco-friendly strategy for their valorization as raw materials for the recovery of phenolic compounds that could be natural alternatives against synthetic antioxidant and antimicrobial agents, promoting a more circular and sustainable supply system within the oregano industry. Full article

Xanthoxylin, a bioactive phenolic compound extracted from the traditional herbal medicine Penthorum Chinense Pursh, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory effects. While previous studies have highlighted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Xanthoxylin, its precise mechanisms, particularly concerning immune response and organ protection, remain underexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of Xanthoxylin on inflammation and associated signaling pathways in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI). ALI was induced via intratracheal administration of LPS, followed by intraperitoneal injections of Xanthoxylin at doses of 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg, administered 30 min post-LPS exposure. Lung tissues were harvested for analysis 6 h after LPS challenge. Xanthoxylin treatment significantly mitigated lung tissue damage, pathological alterations, immune cell infiltration, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, Xanthoxylin modulated the expression of key proteins in the protein kinase B (Akt)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and oxidative markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the context of LPS-induced injury. This study demonstrates that Xanthoxylin exerts protective and anti-inflammatory effects by down-regulating and inhibiting the Akt/HIF-1α/NF-κB pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of ALI or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Full article

Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) have shown promising effects in terms of ameliorating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), attributed to their abundant bioactive compounds. This review comprehensively illustrates the key mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of walnuts in IBD management, including the modulation of intestinal mucosa permeability, the regulation of inflammatory pathways (such as NF-kB, COX/COX2, MAPCK/MAPK, and iNOS/NOS), relieving oxidative stress, and the modulation of gut microbiota. Furthermore, we highlight walnut-derived anti-inflammatory compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; e.g., ω-3 PUFA), tocopherols, phytosterols, sphingolipids, phospholipids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. We also discuss unique anti-inflammatory compounds such as peptides and polysaccharides, including their extraction and preparation methods. Our review provides a theoretical foundation for dietary walnut supplementation in IBD management and provides guidance for academia and industry. In future, research should focus on the targeted isolation and purification of walnut-derived anti-inflammatory compounds or optimizing extraction methods to enhance their yields, thereby helping the food industry to develop dietary supplements or walnut-derived functional foods tailored for IBD patients. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of Anadenanthera colubrina in modulating the immune response in the Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. The ethanolic extract of the dried bark was analyzed by ESI (+) Orbitrap-MS to obtain a metabolite profile, demonstrating a wide variety of polyphenols, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Various parameters were evaluated, such as clinical signs, cytokines, cellular profile, and histopathology in the central nervous system (CNS). The ethanolic extract of A. colubrina demonstrated significant positive effects attenuating the clinical signs and pathological processes associated with EAE. The beneficial effects of the extract treatment were evidenced by reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF, IFN-γ, and a notable decrease in several cell profiles, including CD8+, CD4+, CD4+IFN-γ, CD4+IL-17+, CD11c+MHC-II+, CD11+CD80+, and CD11+CD86+ in the CNS. In addition, histological analysis revealed fewer inflammatory infiltrates and demyelination sites in the spinal cord of mice treated with the extract compared to the control model group. These results showed, for the first time, that the ethanolic extract of A. colubrina exerts a modulatory effect on inflammatory processes, improving clinical signs in EAE, in the acute phase of the disease, which could be further explored as a possible therapeutic alternative. Full article

Tidal wetlands, commonly known as salt marshes, are highly productive ecosystems in temperate regions worldwide. These environments constitute a unique flora composed primarily of salt-tolerant herbs, grasses, and shrubs. This study investigated the therapeutic properties of ten salt marsh plants collected mainly from Palk Bay and Mannar Gulf against Candida disease. This study examined the changes in natural plant products associated with their anti-Candida growth activity during two distinct seasonal changes—monsoon and summer. The potential of the salt marshes to inhibit the growth of five different Candida strains was assessed using four solvents. In phytochemical analysis, the extracts obtained from a Launaea sarmentosa exhibited the highest results compared to the other plant extracts. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed 12 peaks with alkane, aldehyde, amine, aromatic ester, phenol, secondary alcohol, and 1,2,3,4-tetrasubstituted. Gas-chromatography–mass spectrometry detected 30 compounds. Cyclotetracosane, lupeol, β-amyrin, and 12-oleanen-3-yl acetate showed the highest peak range. In particular, plant samples collected during the monsoon season were more effective in preventing Canda growth than the summer plant samples. In the monsoon season, the salt marsh plant extracted with ethyl acetate showed a high anti-Candida growth activity, while in the summer, the acetone extract exhibited a higher anti-Candida growth activity than the other solvents. The hexane extract of L. sarmentosa showed the highest inhibition zone against all Candidal strains. Furthermore, compounds, such as β-amyrin, lupeol, and oxirane, from the hexane extract of L. sarmentosa play a vital role in anti-Candida activity. This paper reports the potential of tidal marsh plant extracts for developing new antifungal agents for Candida infections. Full article

With the explosion of crab farming in China, the urgent need to treat crab wastewater can never be overemphasized. Hence, in this study, excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC), moving window two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (MW-2DCOS) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to identify changes in the dissolved organic matter (DOM) fractions in a crab farming park and reveal latent factors associated with removal processes. Seven components (C1–C7) were extracted from DOMs by EEM-PARAFAC as follows: C1: microbial byproduct-like substances, C2: visible-tryptophan-like substances, C3: fulvic-like substances, C4: phenolic-like substances, C5: ultraviolet tyrosine-like substances, C6: D-tryptophan-like substances and C7: L-tryptophan-like substances. Interestingly, C7 (39.20%), a representative component of DOM in the crab farming pond, was deeply degraded in the aeration pond by aerobic microbes, whereas C6 was absent in the crab pond. According to 2DCOS, the changing order of the components was C7 → C4 → C6 → C5 → C2 → C1 → C3, and the changing order of the functional groups was carboxylic → phenolic → aromatic. As assessed by MW-2DCOS, the Fmax of the components, especially components C2, C5 and C6 (and with the exception of C4 and C7) exponentially increased in the aeration pond, where an accumulative effect occurred. C2, C5 and C7 were removed by 24.26%, 39.42% and 98.25% in the crab farming system, and were deeply degraded in the paddy-field, purification pond and aeration pond, respectively. As assessed by SEM, the latent factors of organic matter removal were C1, C2, C4, C5, SUVA254, COD_Mn and DO. This study could be conducive to comprehensively characterizing the removal of components and functional groups of DOMs in crab farming parks. Full article

Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) J.St.-Hil. is an evergreen shrub occurring naturally in North and Middle America. So far, more than 120 alkaloids have been identified in this plant in addition to steroids, coumarins and iridoids, and its use in traditional medicine has been traced back to these compound classes. However, a comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the plant with a special focus on further compound classes has not yet been performed. Therefore, the present study aimed at an extensive HPLC-MSⁿ characterization of secondary metabolites and, for the first time, reports the occurrence of various depsides and phenolic glycerides in G. sempervirens roots and rhizomes, consisting of benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives as well as dicarboxylic acids. Furthermore, mono- and disaccharides were assigned by GC-MS. Applying the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, the phenolic content of extracts obtained with different solvents was estimated to range from 30 to 50% calculated as chlorogenic acid equivalents per g dry weight and was related to the DPPH radical scavenging activity of the respective extracts. Upon lactic acid fermentation of aqueous G. sempervirens extracts, degradation of phenolic esters was observed going along with the formation of low-molecular volatile metabolites. Full article

Olive mill wastewater (OMWW), with its high level of phenolic compounds, simultaneously represents a serious environmental challenge and a great resource with potential nutraceutical activities. To increase the knowledge of OMWW’s biological effects, with an aim to developing a food supplement, we performed a chemical characterisation of the extract using the Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole Time-of-flight spectrometry (LC–QTOF) and an in vitro genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity assessment on HepaRG ™ cells. Chemical analysis revealed that the most abundant phenolic compound was hydroxytyrosol. Biological tests showed that the extract was not cytotoxic at the lowest tested concentrations (from 0.25 to 2.5 mg/mL), unlike the highest concentrations (from 5 to 20 mg/mL). Regarding genotoxic activity, when tested at non-cytotoxic concentrations, the extract did not display any effect. Additionally, the lowest tested OMWW concentrations showed antigenotoxic activity (J-shaped dose–response effect) against a known mutagenic substance, reducing the extent of DNA damage in the co-exposure treatment. The antigenotoxic effect was also obtained in the post-exposure procedure, although only at the extract concentrations of 0.015625 and 0.03125 mg/mL. This behaviour was not confirmed in the pre-exposure protocol. In conclusion, the present study established a maximum non-toxic OMWW extract dose for the HepaRG cell model, smoothing the path for future research. Full article

Citrus limon var. pompia Camarda var. nova, commonly known as pompia, is a distinctive citrus ecotype native to Sardinia, notable for its unique botanical, phytochemical, and potential health benefits. It holds cultural significance as a traditional food product of Sardinia, recognized by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural Food and Forestry Policies. This comprehensive review examines pompia’s traditional uses, taxonomic classification, pomological characteristics, phytochemical profile, and potential health benefits. Pompia phytochemical analyses reveal a rich composition of flavonoids and terpenoids, with notable concentrations of limonene, myrcene, and various oxygenated monoterpenes. Pompia essential oils are primarily extracted from its peel and leaves. Peel essential oils exhibit a high concentration of the monoterpene limonene (82%) and significantly lower quantities of myrcene (1.8%), geranial (1.7%), geraniol (1.5%), and neral (1.4%). In its rind extract, flavanones such as naringin (23.77 µg/mg), neoeriocitrin (46.53 µg/mg), and neohesperidin (44.57 µg/mg) have been found, along with gallic acid (128.3 µg/mg) and quinic acid (219.67 µg/mg). The main compounds detected in the essential oils from pompia leaves are oxygenated monoterpenes (53.5%), with limonene (28.64%), α-terpineol (41.18%), geranial (24.44%), (E)-β-ocimene (10.5%), linalool (0.56%), and neryl acetate (13.56%) being particularly prominent. In pompia juice, the presence of phenolic compounds has been discovered, with a composition more similar to lemon juice than orange juice. The primary flavonoid identified in pompia juice is chrysoeriol-6,8-di-C-glucoside (stellarin-2) (109.2 mg/L), which has not been found in other citrus juices. The compound rhoifolin-4-glucoside (17.5 mg/L) is unique to pompia juice, whereas its aglycone, rhoifolin, is found in lemon juice. Other flavonoids identified in pompia juice include diosmetin 6,8-C-diglucoside (54.5 mg/L) and isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside (79.4 mg/L). These findings support the potential of pompia in developing nutraceuticals and natural health products, further confirmed by its compounds’ antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Future research should focus on optimizing extraction methods, conducting clinical trials to evaluate efficacy and safety, and exploring sustainable cultivation practices. The potential applications of pompia extracts in food preservation, functional foods, and cosmetic formulations also warrant further investigation. Addressing these areas could significantly enhance pompia’s contribution to natural medicine, food science, and biotechnology. Full article

Teff (Eragrostis tef), a gluten-free cereal crop cultivated originally in Northeast Africa, is increasingly utilized due to its nutritional and health benefits. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ethanol extract obtained from raw and thermally treated teff, referred to as RTE and TTE, respectively, on uncontrolled growth and activated metastasis using human cancer cell lines. Both RTE and TTE contained flavones, such as orientin (luteolin 8-C-glucoside) and vitexin (apigenin 8-C-glucoside), and phenolic acids, such as protocatechuic acid and p-coumaric acid. TTE showed higher total phenol, protocatechuic acid, and p-coumaric acid contents, but lower orientin content compared to RTE. RTE and TTE significantly suppressed cell growth of H1299 human lung cancer cells, with TTE exhibiting more pronounced effects than RTE, while both extracts had only minimal effects on the growth of non-malignant human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The growth-inhibitory activities of RTE and TTE in H1299 cells were associated with apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. TTE produced an additional effect on inducing cell cycle arrest at the S phase in H1299 cells, potentially contributing to its stronger growth-inhibitory effects. Moreover, both RTE and TTE effectively inhibited key events in metastasis, such as invasion, migration, and adhesion, in H1299 cells under non-cytotoxic conditions, with TTE showing stronger effects. In HCT116 human colon cancer cells, a similar pattern of inhibition was demonstrated against the metastatic events, accompanied by reduced levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. Our results indicate that teff extracts exhibit in vitro anti-growth and anti-metastatic activities, which are enhanced by thermal treatment of teff. Full article