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Soil salinization leads to soil nutrient loss and decreased crop yield. This research aims to determine the optimal reduction rate of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and suitable microbial inoculant for alfalfa cultivation and nitrogen-level improvement in saline-alkali land. The experiment consisted of a factorial arrangement of three DAP fertilizer levels (X1, 60%; X2, 70%; and X3, 80%) and four microbial inoculants (Y1, rhizobial inoculant; Y2, phosphate-solubilizing microbial inoculant; Y3, composite microbial inoculant; and Y4, control) in a split-plot design. The results indicated that DAP fertilizer, microbial inoculant, and their interaction significantly affected (p < 0.05) forage yield, crude protein, available nitrogen (N), and enzyme activities. Under 80% DAP fertilizer combined with the composite microbial inoculant, forage yield, plant height, soil urease (S-UE), and ammonium nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N) reached maximum values of 17.1 t ha⁻¹, 65.7 cm, 292.3 μg d⁻¹ g⁻¹, and 3.1 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. However, the soil total nitrogen (TN) significantly increased at the 60% DAP fertilizer application rate (p < 0.05). Overall, this study demonstrates that co-application of DAP fertilizer with compound microbial inoculant delivers a green, science-based fertilization approach for improving nitrogen levels and alfalfa cultivation in saline-alkali soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilization of Microorganisms for Sustainable Agricultural Development)

17 pages, 2403 KB

Open AccessArticle

P-Hydroxybenzaldehyde from Gastrodia elata Blume Reduces Hydroxyurea-Induced Cellular Senescent Phenotypes in Human SH-SY5Y Cells via Enhancing Autophagy

by Shuhui Qu, Daijiao Tang, Lingxuan Fan, Yuan Dai, Hai-Jing Zhong, Wei Cai and Cheong-Meng Chong

Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(2), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19020207 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The rhizome of Gastrodia elata Blume (Tianma) is a functional food with medicinal value in China, used to improve the health of the central nervous system and reported to exhibit anti-cellular senescent activity. P-hydroxybenzaldehyde (P-HBA) is a key aromatic compound isolated from Tianma; however, its potential to mitigate cellular senescence remains unclear. Methods: We employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify the chemical characterization of Tianma extract. Cell viability assay, senescence-associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) assay, and immunofluorescence staining and autophagy analysis were used to evaluate the anti-senescent activity of P-HBA and other Tianma components. Results: Our findings demonstrate that Tianma methanol extract (TME) and P-HBA significantly reduce cellular senescent inducer hydroxyurea (HU)-induced DNA damage, SA-β-Gal activity increase, and autophagic dysfunction in human SH-SY5Y cells. Notably, an autophagy inhibitor, chloroquine, can reduce anti-cellular senescent activity of P-HBA. Conclusions: These results suggest that P-HBA exhibits the effect of reducing cellular senescent phenotypes, and its effect is achieved by enhancing autophagy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Phytomedicines: From Chemical Profiling and Pharmacological Properties to Therapeutic Applications)

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22 pages, 3613 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling and Optimization of Phenolic Compound Adsorption from Olive Wastewater Using XAD-4 Resin, Activated Carbon, and Chitosan Biosorbent

by Chaimaa Hakim, Hélène Carrère, Abdessadek Essadek, Soukaina Terroufi, Audrey Battimelli, Renaud Escudie, Jérôme Harmand and Mounsef Neffa

Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(3), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16031231 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

This study proposes a circular economy strategy to recover phenolic compounds by valorizing shrimp shell waste into a chitosan biosorbent (CH-B). Its adsorption efficiency was evaluated compared to commercial activated carbon (AC) and synthetic XAD-4 resin. Kinetic analysis revealed that while both pseudo-first-order [...] Read more.

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0.96), both CH-B and XAD-4 resin were best described by the PFO model. This aligns with diffusion-controlled processes consistent with the porous and physical nature of these adsorbents. In contrast, AC followed the PSO model. Isotherm modeling indicated that CH-B and AC fit the Temkin model, reflecting heterogeneous surfaces, whereas XAD-4 followed the Langmuir model (monolayer adsorption). Notably, CH-B exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (q_m) of 229.2 mg/g, significantly outperforming XAD-4 (104.8 mg/g) and AC (90.2 mg/g). Thermodynamic and kinetic modeling confirmed that the adsorption mechanism was governed by a combination of electrostatic interactions, π–π stacking, and hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl/amine groups of chitosan and phenolic compounds. Optimization using Box–Behnken design for CH-B showed optimal acidic pH and moderate temperature but non-significant effect of CH-B dose in the experimental domain. Optimisation results showed unexpected high removal efficiency at low CH-B dosages. A tentative explanation may be adsorbent aggre-gation, which needs to be confirmed by further experimental evidence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Wastewater Treatment: Emerging Contaminants, Resource Recovery and Sustainability)

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17 pages, 1937 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phloroglucinaldehyde Alleviates High-Fat-Diet-Induced MAFLD via Its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties

by Jijun Tan, Jianhua He, Hongfu Zhang and Shusong Wu

Foods 2026, 15(3), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15030437 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), redefined from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a global health concern driving the search for dietary interventions based on natural compounds. Phloroglucinaldehyde (PGA), a primary phenolic metabolite of the widely consumed anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) found in berries and other fruits, has emerged as a promising candidate due to its potential higher bioavailability than its parent compound. This study investigates the protective effects of PGA against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MAFLD. Using both in vitro (LO2 cells) and in vivo (C57BL/6J mice) models, we found that PGA administration significantly attenuated body weight gain and hepatic steatosis, while reducing serum levels of TG, TC, liver transaminases (AST & ALT), and insulin resistance (p < 0.05). Further liver lipidomic profiling revealed that PGA supplementation specifically down-regulated 46 lipid species (p < 0.05), predominantly triglycerides characterized by long-chain and very-long-chain saturated fatty acids. Mechanistically, PGA enhanced the hepatic antioxidant capacity by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05) and decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05) and exerted anti-inflammatory effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF, MCP-1) (p < 0.05) and endotoxin levels (p < 0.05). Correlation analyses further linked the down-regulated lipids to improvements in oxidative stress and inflammation. Our findings underscore that PGA, a key bioactive metabolite derived from dietary anthocyanins, alleviates MAFLD through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting its potential as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical for metabolic health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)

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25 pages, 2854 KB

Open AccessArticle

Solvatochromic Study of Brilliant Blue G: Estimation of the Electric Dipole Moment in the Excited State

by Mihaela Miron, Dana Ortansa Dorohoi and Dan-Gheorghe Dimitriu

Symmetry 2026, 18(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym18020221 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Brilliant blue G is a chemical compound with many important applications in various domains, from dye manufacturing to biotechnologies and medicine. Despite the fact that it is used mainly in solutions, a solvatochromic study of this compound has never been reported, while the value of the electrical dipole moment in the excited state is unknown. Here, a solvatochromic study of brilliant blue G is described, and the data is analyzed by three models, allowing for the estimation of the intermolecular interactions involved, as well as their contribution to the total shift in the visible electronic absorption spectral band. Two models provide a predominance of the non-specific (universal) intermolecular interactions, while the third model overestimates the weight of the specific interactions. The spectral data also allow for the comparative estimation of the electrical dipole moment in the first excited state of brilliant blue G molecule by two methods. The values obtained are very close, confirming the good agreement between the two approaches. One of these methods also estimates the angle between the electrical dipole moments in the ground and excited states of brilliant blue G molecule, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemistry: Symmetry/Asymmetry—Feature Reviews and Papers)

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27 pages, 13443 KB

Open AccessArticle

Delivery of siRNA and Chloroquine Through an Aspherical, Nanostructured Microparticle for Passive Targeting of Alveolar Macrophages and Inhibition of Local TNF-α Secretion

by Elena Haettig, Aaron Haben, Ralf Kautenburger and Marc Schneider

Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(2), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18020154 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Alveolar macrophages represent the main path of defense in the peripheral pulmonary tissue, though their role in chronic inflammatory lung diseases shows that their protective function can turn pathological. This study focused on developing a system to passively target the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α through the local delivery of siRNA. Methods: An inhalable aspherical microparticle made up of mesoporous silica nanoparticles, crosslinked by an electrostatic LbL-system embedding the siRNA, was developed. Results: Through testing with the NGI, adequate aerodynamic properties with an MMAD as low as 3.37 µm could be determined, with a GSD as low as 1.46, suggesting a relatively small size distribution even during inhalation. To further understand the interaction of the microrods with the lung parenchyma and the resident cells, the disintegration of the rods in different simulant body fluids, their toxicity, and the cell uptake through dTHP-1 and A549 were observed. This showed slow but continuous disintegration, no toxicity in A549 cells, and high microrod uptake by dTHP-1 cells. To demonstrate the effect of the delivered siRNA on the release of TNF-α, ELISAs were carried out, establishing an inhibitory effect of the siRNA-carrying microcarrier system compared to those without siRNA or loaded with scrambled siRNA. To increase the efficacy of the siRNA, chloroquine as an endosomal escape-enhancing compound was loaded onto the mesoporous silica nanoparticles. This resulted in a significant improvement in siRNA inhibition. Conclusions: The developed formulation is able to reach the targeted structure and inhibit the secretion of TNF-α, with CQ increasing the inhibitory effect of the siRNA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology)

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35 pages, 4125 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Copper Coordination Compounds as Corrosion-Resistant Materials for Seawater Electrolysis

by Markus Bergendahl, Iván Brito, Luis Cáceres, Alvaro Soliz, Víctor M. Jiménez-Arévalo, Danny Guzman, Pedro Zamora, Norman Toro and Felipe M. Galleguillos Madrid

Processes 2026, 14(3), 423; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr14030423 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Seawater electrolysis offers a promising route for sustainable hydrogen production in coastal areas, leveraging solar energy while reducing freshwater consumption. Yet, chloride-induced corrosion severely limits conventional electrodes such as titanium, which depend on passive titanium dioxide films and display minimal hydrogen evolution reaction activity (|i₀,H₂| ≈ 0.001–0.01 A/m²). Here, we report for the first time the use of copper-based coordination compounds—a triazole-derived polymer (CC_Cu) and a Prussian Blue Analogue (CuHCF)—as dual-function electrodes combining corrosion resistance with electrocatalytic activity. Structural integrity was verified by FTIR, TGA, XRD, and SEM/EDS analyses. Electrochemical tests in 0.5 M NaCl, interpreted using mixed potential theory, revealed corrosion potentials (E_corr) of −40 mV versus Standard Hydrogen Electrode (CuHCF) and −23 mV versus Standard Hydrogen Electrode (CC_Cu), and corrosion current densities of 0.259 and 0.379 A/m², respectively. Both exhibited hydrogen evolution reaction exchange current densities significantly higher than titanium (0.019 A/m² for CuHCF and 0.062 A/m² for CC_Cu). CuHCF achieved a Tafel slope of 222 mV/dec, comparable to NiMoP alloys and carbon steel. Complementary density functional theory calculations elucidated how metal–ligand interactions and electronic redistribution govern both catalytic performance and degradation. These findings introduce a new concept of semi-electrocatalysts, where copper coordination compounds act as structurally adaptive, low-cost materials bridging corrosion resistance and hydrogen evolution in seawater systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development, Application and Prospects of Hydrogen Production from Renewable Energy)

19 pages, 13382 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gandouling Inhibits the Sinusoid Capillarization Associated with Liver Fibrosis in Wilson’s Disease by Blocking the Communication Between Hepatic Stellate Cells and Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells

by Yikang Cai, Qiying Jin, Meiling Yuan, Xinyue Zhou, Yajie Wu, Yingqiu Song, Bing Wang, Chenggui Miao and Peng Wu

Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(2), 203; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19020203 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Background: Gandouling (GDL) is a compound prepared in Chinese medicine and demonstrates favorable clinical efficacy. Studies have shown that sinusoid capillarization promoted hepatic fibrosis and was a potential target for preventing and treating liver fibrosis in Wilson’s disease (WD). This study aimed to explore whether GDL inhibited the sinusoid capillarization in WD by blocking the communication between hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Methods: In this study, Atp7b-H1071Q (TX) mice were used as the WD model mice, and CuSO₄⋅5H₂O treated LX-2 cells were used as the HSC activation model. We used scanning electron microscopy, vascular tube formation assay, Western blot, cell transfection, and co-culture system to study how GDL blocked the communication between HSCs and LSECs, as well as its inhibitory effect on the sinusoid capillarization. Results: We found that GDL alleviated liver fibrosis in TX mice, inhibited HSC activation, and sinusoid capillarization in TX mice. Excessive secreted VEGFA by LX-2 cells promoted the sinusoid capillarization, played the role of a messenger molecule, and GDL blocked the VEGFA-mediated HSCs-LSECs communication. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics suggested that GDL may exert its effect by modulating the PDGFRβ/ERK/VEGFA signaling axis. We validated the above observation through experiments, that GDL reduced PDGFRβ/ERK signal pathway in LX-2 cells, inhibited the expression of messenger molecule VEGFA, blocked HSCs-LSECs communication, inhibited sinusoid capillarization, and improved WD. Conclusions: GDL blocked the communication between HSCs and LSECs and inhibited the sinusoid capillarization associated with liver fibrosis in WD by the PDGFRβ/ERK/VEGFA signaling axis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medicinal Chemistry)

15 pages, 3805 KB

Open AccessReview

Ciliary Structures and Particle-Capture Mechanisms in Marine Filter-Feeding Bivalves

by Hans Ulrik Riisgård and Poul S. Larsen

J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2026, 14(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse14030251 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

The minimum size of particles being efficiently captured in the gills of filter-feeding bivalves differs between mussels with well-developed laterofrontal cirri (lfc) and scallops having only simple pro-laterofrontal cilia (pro-lfc). The presence of branching compound lfc increases the particle retention efficiency below the lower limit of about 4 µm for 100% retention, whereas the simple pro-lfc cilia in scallops are less efficient with decreasing retention efficiency for particles smaller than about 7 µm. To understand the particle capture mechanisms in bivalves, attention must be paid to the ciliary structures and water flow in flat gills (mussels) versus plicate gills (scallops, oysters). Here, we briefly review the literature on particle capture mechanisms in filter-feeding marine bivalves with large lfc (mussels, clams), short lfc (oysters), and with only pro-lfc (scallops), and then we describe our present understanding of these processes. This is carried out along with comments on a long-lasting and current controversy on particle-capture mechanisms in filter-feeding bivalves. We rebut the hypothesis of “hydrosol filtering” proposed by Ward et al. (1998), where the approach angle of a particle towards the gill is 30° and the particle is captured by direct interception with a gill filament, whereas lfc generate “zones of blocked through-flow”. No further test of the hydrosol hypothesis has so far been made, but nevertheless, it has been cited in many publications over the last 25 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biology)

17 pages, 1954 KB

Open AccessArticle

Variation in the Number of Genes in the Secretomes of Isolates of Ilyonectria robusta and Ilyonectria mors-panacis Pathogenic to American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

by Paul H. Goodwin, Moez Valliani and Tom Hsiang

Horticulturae 2026, 12(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae12020135 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

For 12 isolates of Ilyonectria mors-panacis and 4 isolates of Ilyonectria robusta, the number of genes in the secretome showed a negative correlation with growth rates in culture, especially for small secreted non-cysteine-rich and cysteine-rich proteins, and several proteases and lipases, while it was positively correlated with genes for six CAZyme classes/modules and other proteases and lipases. However, this significant correlation with growth rate was influenced by the I. robusta isolates mostly having faster growth rates than the I. mors-panacis isolates on PDA, indicating a species-level difference. The only significant relationship of gene number to virulence was a positive correlation with genes for secreted glycoside hydrolases in families 18 and 78, and this was related to differences between isolates, even if only I. mors-panacis isolates were examined, indicating a difference within species. Glycoside hydrolase family 18 includes chitinase-like proteins, endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidases, lectins, and xylanase inhibitors, which could help suppress triggered immunity by the host and regulate fungal xylanase activity. Glycoside hydrolase family 78 contain α-L-rhamnosidases that can cleave flavonoid glycosides, saponins, and ginsenosides, which could degrade antimicrobial compounds produced as a host response during infection. These results indicate that the number of certain classes of secreted enzymes could be a factor in both growth rate in culture and virulence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Breeding, Cultivation and Metabolic Regulation of Medicinal Plants—2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1112 KB

Open AccessArticle

Selecting Non-VOC Emitting Cork Oaks—A Chance to Reduce Regional Air Pollution

by Michael Staudt, Meltem Erdogan and Coralie Rivet

Environments 2026, 13(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments13020070 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Cork oak is a strong emitter of volatiles, namely monoterpenes, which are important precursors of secondary air pollutants. Past studies have revealed distinct chemotypes in emitting as well as non-emitting individuals. Promoting non-emitters in afforestation and urban greening could improve air quality, but their rarity suggests that they are less resilient. To gain insight into this, we screened natural descendants from two non-emitting cork oaks for emissions and ecophysiological traits (CO₂/H₂O-gas exchange variables, budburst date, growth) and tested whether emitting and non-emitting descendants differ in their resistance to temperature and light fluctuations (sun-flecks). Both half-sib populations were composed of the same chemotypes in similar frequencies, comprising 32% of non-emitters and 50 and 18% of two emitting chemotypes with overall moderate emission rates. Based on this distribution, we identified an inheritance mode and compared it with the chemotype frequency of the mother population. In terms of ecophysiological traits, all chemotypes performed similarly, and non-emitters were as resistant to sun-flecks as emitters. We conclude that the chemotypes in emitters reflect a common polymorphism in monoterpene-emitting plants that is not related to adaptive selection. We also conclude that non-emission is heritable and that its phenotype should be evaluated in reforestation studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Air Pollution in Urban and Industrial Areas, 4th Edition)

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15 pages, 1328 KB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Docking and Structure–Activity Relationship Study of Polyphenols with Antibacterial and Antibiotic-Modulating Properties

by Hayat Trabsa, Imane Krache, Naouel Boussoualim, Anfal Kara, Nadhir Saouli, Mohammad Raish, Byong-Hun Jeon, Hyun-Jo Ahn and Yacine Benguerba

Microorganisms 2026, 14(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14020281 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

The antibacterial activity of 18 phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, against organisms of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus vulgaris that are resistant to several drugs was assessed in this study using the agar diffusion method. The strain’s strong resistance was confirmed by antibiotic susceptibility testing, which used fourteen drugs and only found inhibition zones for five of them. Out of the polyphenols, four compounds were effective against P. vulgaris, five against K. pneumoniae, and twelve against E. coli bacteria. The greatest inhibitory zone (18.75 ± 0.25 mm) against E. coli was shown by propyl gallate, an ester of gallic acid. Activity was significantly impacted by structural changes. Propyl substitution increased antibacterial activities across all strains, while methoxy substitution decreased them. The antibacterial effectiveness was reduced by the hydroxylation of flavonoids and the C3–C4 dihydroxylation of cinnamic acid. Propyl gallate primarily had antagonistic effects, while combination experiments demonstrated additive, synergistic, and antagonistic interactions. Propyl gallate (ΔG = −7.5 kcal/mol) exhibited substantial binding affinities with TEM-1 and NDM-1 β-lactamases via hydrogen and hydrophobic interactions, according to molecular docking. These results demonstrate propyl gallate as a viable antibacterial adjuvant option and validate the structure–activity relationship of phenolic compounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance)

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16 pages, 723 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Soil Nutrients on Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Dysphania ambrosioides Essential Oil in Southern Ecuador

by Susana Blacio, Katty Gadvay, Karen Rivas, Ana Guaman, Julio Parrales and James Calva

Plants 2026, 15(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15030373 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Dysphania ambrosioides is a widely distributed species with a traditional use in folk medicine, but it exhibits marked chemical variability that limits its standardization. This study is the first to characterize the essential oil (EO) of three Ecuadorian populations—Arenillas (ARE), Pasaje (PAS) and Piñas (PIN)—using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry/flame ionization detection (GC-MS/FID), and to correlate its composition with edaphic properties and antioxidant activity. Chemical profiles revealed three distinct chemotypes: ARE (α-terpinene 65.35%, o-cymene 24.83% and ascaridole 3.30%), PAS (α-terpinene 56.31%, o-cymene 10.09% and ascaridole 10.84%) and PIN (α-terpinene 56.89%, o-cymene 17.07% and ascaridole 7.60%). The EO yield was low (0.030–0.064% w/w), coinciding with acidic and nutrient-poor soils. On the other hand, PAS, with its neutral soil and high nitrogen, produced the highest number of oxygenated compounds. Only PAS exhibited strong ABTS radical-scavenging activity (SC₅₀ = 37.99 ± 1.01 µg/mL). In contrast, ARE showed weak activity (SC₅₀ = 424 ± 1.01 µg/mL), while PIN showed moderate activity (SC₅₀ = 112.26 ± 1.01 µg/mL), which was correlated with its high total phenol content (298.48 mg EAG/L). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity was low in all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed clear separation of the chemotypes, which was linked to edaphic factors such as pH, heavy metals (Cu, Fe and Mn) and organic matter. These findings suggest that edaphic conditions may modulate the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of D. ambrosioides, indicating a potential approach for the sustainable selection of plant material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytochemical Analysis and Metabolic Profiling in Plants—2nd Edition)

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22 pages, 3998 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Polyphenol-Rich Lemon Peel Extract Use in a Zebrafish Model of Spinal Cord Injury: Morphology, Repair-Associated Markers, and Inflammatory Profile

by Mirea Sicari, Lidia Pansera, Kamel Mhalhel, Marialuisa Aragona, Mariarosaria Galeano, Michele Rosario Colonna, Maria Levanti, Rosaria Laurà, Francesco Abbate, Antonino Germanà and Giuseppe Montalbano

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(3), 1201; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27031201 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Flavonoids are a diverse group of natural polyphenolic compounds, recognized for their ability to modulate cellular pathways and mitigate the pathological processes of many neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigates the neurotrophic potential of a polyphenolic-rich lemon peel extract (Lpe) in a Zebrafish larvae spinal cord injury (SCI) model. To evaluate its potential effects, embryos were divided into six experimental groups: a baseline control group in which larvae were neither subjected to spinal cord injury nor treated (Ctrl Group); a group with larvae subjected to spinal cord injury at 3 dpf without treatment (SCI Group); a group treated continuously with Lpe (25 µg/mL) from 0 to 5 dpf without injury (Continuous Group); a group treated continuously with Lpe and injured at 3 dpf (Continuous SCI Group); a group treated with Lpe starting at 3 dpf without injury (Curative Group); and finally, a group injured at 3 dpf and treated simultaneously with Lpe (Curative SCI Group). Lpe treatment significantly downregulated proinflammatory cytokines (tnfa, il1b, and xcl8), and modulated the neuroregenerative pathways Wnt/β catenin, and neurotrophic factor Bdnf. Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed Sox2-positive cells localized around the central canal, consistent with activation of ependymal progenitor populations involved in injury-induced repair processes. These findings support the exploration of Lpe for mitigating SCI-induced damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Animal Research Model for Neurological Diseases, 2nd Edition)

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33 pages, 2702 KB

Open AccessReview

Beneficial Effects of Fisetin, a Senotherapeutic Compound, in Women’s Reproductive Health and Diseases: Evidence from In Vitro to Clinical Studies

by Samya El Sayed, D’leela Saiyed, Valeria I. Macri, Awurakua Asamoah-Mensah, James H. Segars and Md Soriful Islam

Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 393; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030393 (registering DOI) - 25 Jan 2026

Abstract

Fisetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, a type of polyphenol found in fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, apples, persimmons, and onions. It has gained increasing attention for its antioxidant properties (enhancement of SOD1 and CAT activity and reduction of ROS), anti-inflammatory effects (suppression of NF-κB signaling), and senotherapeutic activity (senolytic and senomorphic effects). Although numerous studies have examined fisetin in the context of aging and chronic diseases, its role in women’s reproductive health has not been systematically explored. Mechanistically, fisetin regulates several pathophysiological processes, including ovarian aging, fibrosis, angiogenesis, and hormonal regulation, suggesting its potential relevance to female reproductive health and disease. Indeed, emerging evidence indicates that fisetin may support ovarian function and hormonal balance, modulate fibrosis and metabolism in benign gynecologic conditions, and suppress cell growth in gynecologic cancers. Early-phase clinical studies in non-gynecologic conditions suggest an acceptable safety profile, although evidence in reproductive health remains absent. This review summarizes current experimental and clinical evidence, identifies critical gaps in mechanistic understanding, and discusses future directions for advancing fisetin as a promising non-hormonal therapeutic option in reproductive health and diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linking Fruit and Vegetable Bioactives to Human Health and Wellness)

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