Nutraceuticals

Morus alba L., a member of the Moraceae family, is known for its positive effects on human health, linked to the presence of different classes of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, stilbenoids, and alkaloids, found in different parts of the plant. Stilbenoids, in particular, are mainly present at the root cortex level and, owing to their valuable activities, have attracted scientific interest in recent years. Since roots are a non-renewable source, in this study, M. alba in vitro callus cultures were established. The biomass with the appropriate growth and texture was selected for juice extraction, and the total phenol, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents, along with the antioxidant activity, were estimated in the juices. The analyses throughout the callus growth cycle revealed the juice of 14-day-old calli to be the richest, resulting in the most active. In this juice, the LC-MS/MS-DAD analysis unveiled the presence of seventeen stilbenoids. Together with the data obtained by the nutritional analysis, the results showed that M. alba cell cultures have the potential to be utilised for producing innovative healthy food materials, bridging the gap between the ever-increasing natural-based-product demand and the need for more environmental, social, and economic development.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of reactive extrusion (thermomechanical and chemical process) on the chemical composition, techno-functional properties, glucose and cholesterol adsorption capacity, and bioactive compound profile of spent coffee grounds (SCG). SCG was extruded using citric acid or alkaline hydrogen peroxide as reagents, and a control sample was extruded without reagents. Treatment with citric acid resulted in the highest levels of total dietary fiber (79.6 g/100 g) and insoluble fiber (76.2 g/100 g), especially cellulose, and significantly improved glucose (32.7 mmol/L) and cholesterol (4.5 mg/g) adsorption at neutral pH. Treatment with alkaline hydrogen peroxide increased water retention capacity (3.9 g/g). Although chemical treatments reduced total polyphenol and antioxidant activity, they effectively broke down the lignocellulosic matrix, thereby increasing fiber availability and functionality. Extrusion without reagents (processes induced by mechanical and thermal factors) favored the retention of caffeine and chlorogenic acids, increasing soluble fiber and maintaining antioxidant capacity. Therefore, reactive extrusion is a technological strategy that aligns with the principles of the circular economy, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to landfill disposal and adding value to spent coffee grounds by transforming lignocellulosic residue into functional ingredients with broad application potential.

Arachidonic acid (AA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, serves as a metabolic precursor for prostaglandins (PGs) such as PGE₂ and PGF_2α, which have been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle adaptations to resistance exercise. On this basis, AA supplementation has been proposed as a potential ergogenic aid in resistance training, under the hypothesis that increasing endogenous AA availability through supplementation may enhance PGs synthesis, thereby potentially influencing muscle remodeling and recovery process. However, AA remains a relatively underexplored candidate. This review aimed to summarize and critically evaluate the current evidence regarding the effects of AA supplementation in the context of resistance exercise. The limited available studies provide preliminary mechanistic observations suggesting that AA supplementation may be associated with changes in muscle strength and anaerobic performance and with modulation of the acute inflammatory response to exercise, without affecting chronic inflammation. Conversely, findings related to body composition and muscle hypertrophy remain inconsistent and a significant effect has not been consistently observed. Despite these preliminary insights, the current body of evidence is insufficient and heterogeneous, precluding the recommendation of routine clinical or practice-based use. Future well-designed, long-term investigations are warranted to clarify the efficacy, optimal dosage, and timing of AA supplementation, as well as its safety profile and potential applications across populations differing in age, sex, nutritional status, and training background.