Search Results (1,984)

The development of bioactive hybrid coatings for biomedical implants requires materials exhibiting suitable thermal stability, bioactivity, and biocompatibility. In this study, hybrid organic–inorganic sol–gel coatings based on silica (SiO₂) and polyethylene glycol (PEG, 24 wt%) were functionalized with different concentrations of caffeic acid (CafA 5, 10, and 15 wt%) and deposited onto AISI 304 and AISI 316 stainless steel substrates by dip-coating without surface pre-treatment. The proposed approach enabled the formation of homogeneous hybrid coatings on untreated stainless steel substrates through a simple and scalable deposition process. A thermal analysis demonstrated the stability of the hybrid network and the effective integration of the organic and inorganic phases. Bioactivity was evaluated by in vitro immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), while SEM observations revealed the formation of mineral deposits on the coating surface, and an EDX analysis confirmed the presence of calcium and phosphorus within the deposited layer. The formation of crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) was subsequently confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), confirming that all investigated formulations retained their ability to induce apatite formation after SBF immersion. In addition, in vitro biocompatibility assays confirmed that the developed materials exhibited concentration-dependent cytocompatibility, with the cellular response being influenced by the amount of incorporated CafA. Overall, the results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid materials combine thermal stability, bioactivity, and cytocompatibility, highlighting their potential as bioactive coatings for biomedical applications. Full article

Dietary polyphenols are plant-derived secondary metabolites recognized as highly bioactive molecules. One of their most significant biological properties is their antioxidant potential. In the present study, the antioxidant capacities of commonly consumed dietary polyphenolic compounds were comparatively evaluated. Antioxidant activities were assessed using sing ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. Twenty-three polyphenol standards were classified into two primary groups, phenolic acids and flavonoids, each further divided into their respective subclasses, and their antioxidant capacities were examined in relation to structural features. Among the phenolic acids, gallic acid (11.29 ± 0.05 µmol Trolox equivalents/mg), protocatechuic acid (6.69 ± 0.04), syringic acid (5.76 ± 0.03), caffeic acid (4.76 ± 0.02), and ellagic acid (4.65 ± 0.07) exhibited the highest FRAP activities. Among the flavonoids, quercetin (5.98 ± 0.03), epicatechin (2.69 ± 0.02), and resveratrol (2.59 ± 0.01) were the most potent antioxidants. Compounds such as chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), rutin, and luteolin displayed moderate antioxidant activity, whereas p-hydroxybenzoic acid, pinocembrin, chrysin, daidzein, hesperetin, t-cinnamic acid, and myricetin showed markedly low activity. These results indicate that antioxidant capacity of polyphenols is strongly influenced by both the number and the positions of hydroxyl groups on their aromatic rings, highlighting the critical role of structural features in determining their redox potential. Full article

The tropical fruits velvet tamarind, baobab, and African locust beans are used as foods and in beverages for medicinal purposes. They are important sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This research focused on the bioactive composition in the fruit pulps and seeds of these African plant species. Spectrophotometric analysis of the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays), the quantification and profile of phenolic compounds, hydrosoluble vitamins B and C (HPLC), and fatty acids (GC-FID), and the toxicological analysis of amygdalin (HPLC) and elements (XRF) were assessed. The fruit velvet tamarind exhibited the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant capacity, with seed content higher than pulp, primarily due to naringin (54.45 mg/100 g). Baobab presented the second highest TPC and TFC content and antioxidant capacity, with pulp being higher than seed, mainly due to vitamin C (79.97 mg/100 g) and rutin (47.92 mg/100 g). Several bioactive compounds were quantified, such as vitamin C, various hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic, p-coumaric, chlorogenic, ferulic), hydroxybenzoic acids (gallic, vanillic), and polyphenols (quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, naringin, procyanidin, kaempferol), as well as fatty acids from the ω-3 and ω-6 series. Amygdalin was not detected in any seeds, and Cd content was higher than 0.05 mg/kg of dry weight. Full article

Tart cherries (Prunus cerasus L.) are valued for their high content of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which contribute to fruit quality and potential health benefits. However, data on phytochemical differences between Morello and Amarelle cultivars remain limited. In the present study, eleven tart cherry cultivars representing both groups were evaluated over two growing seasons (2024–2025) under identical orchard conditions. Dry matter, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were quantified using HPLC methods, and the effects of cultivar, season, and their interaction were assessed by ANOVA. Significant differences were observed among cultivars and between seasons (p < 0.05). Kelleris 16 showed the greatest concentrations of total polyphenols and phenolic acids, whereas Łutówka was characterized by elevated levels of catechin, epigallocatechin, quercetin derivatives, and myricetin. Morello cultivars generally contained substantially higher flavonoid and anthocyanin concentrations than Amarelle cultivars. In contrast, selected Amarelle cultivars, particularly Szklanka Wielka, exhibited higher levels of chlorogenic and caffeic acids. Most polyphenolic compounds were more abundant in 2024 than in 2025, highlighting a strong seasonal effect, while anthocyanin levels remained comparatively stable in both seasons. Both genotype and growing season significantly influenced the phytochemical composition of tart cherries. Morello cultivars generally exhibited higher flavonoid and anthocyanin concentrations than Amarelle cultivars, whereas selected Amarelle cultivars contained higher levels of specific phenolic acids. These findings provide valuable information for cultivar selection and future studies on the nutritional and functional properties of tart cherry fruits. Full article

Tilia americana var. mexicana is a medicinal species whose reported pharmacological effects primarily target the central nervous system, including anxiolytic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant activities, attributed in part to flavonoids such as tiliroside (8). In this study, 14 compounds were isolated and identified from the methanolic extract (Ta-MeOH) and evaluated by molecular docking against the monoamine oxidases MAO-A and MAO-B, enzymes implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to their involvement in dopamine metabolism. Chemical analysis identified six terpenes: α- and β-amyrine (1–2), β-sitosterol (3), stigmasterol (4), ursolic acid (5), and β-sitosterol glucoside (6); the novel diglycosylated monoterpene 4α-terpineol sambubioside (7), characterized through its hexaacetate derivative (7a); the flavonoids tiliroside (8) and rutin (9); sucrose (10); and four phenolic compounds: scopoletin (11), caffeic acid (12), coumaric acid (13), and chlorogenic acid (14). Molecular docking against monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO-A and MAO-B) was used as a computational strategy to prioritize isolated metabolites for biological evaluation. β-Sitosterol glucoside (6), 4α-terpineol sambubioside (7), tiliroside (8) and rutin (9) exhibited the most favorable docking scores toward MAO-B, with predicted binding energies of −10.8733, −11.1434, −12.16986 and −12.9474 kcal/mol, respectively. Considering the docking results together with phytochemical and experimental criteria, (6) and (8) (1 mg/kg) were prioritized for biological evaluation, together with Ta-MeOH extract (100 mg/kg) and selected fractions (25 mg/kg), in a reserpine-induced mouse model of parkinsonism using L-DOPA (150 mg/kg) as a positive control. In the open field test, spontaneous locomotor activity was assessed by total crossings and expressed as AUC. Ta-MeOH significantly increased locomotor activity compared with the reserpine-treated group (AUC: 1281.8 vs. 551.7, respectively; p < 0.05). Tiliroside (8) also increased locomotor activity (AUC: 858). In the Rota-Rod test, fine motor coordination was assessed by latency to fall and expressed as AUC. Ta-MeOH showed the greatest recovery, with AUC values of 431, 89, and 34 at 4, 10, and 20 rpm, respectively. In addition, treatments derived from T. americana attenuated behavioral alterations induced by reserpine in the Irwin test. Overall, this study demonstrates that integrating phytochemical isolation, molecular docking, and in vivo pharmacological evaluation provides a useful strategy for prioritizing bioactive metabolites from T. americana. These findings support further pharmacological investigation of this medicinal species and its isolated metabolites, while additional studies are required to establish their molecular targets and mechanisms of action. Full article

Protein fibril formation is of considerable interest due to the association of fibrils with many neurodegenerative diseases as well as non-neuropathic amyloidosis. In this study, the effects of individual phenolic compounds and their mixtures—including caffeic acid (CC), quercetin (Que), and resveratrol (Res)—on the fibrillation of lysozyme (Lys) were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. These phenolic compounds are known as potent modulators, particularly inhibitors, of fibrillation in various proteins and peptides. While their anti-fibrillar activity has been extensively studied via the Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay, here FTIR and VCD spectroscopy are employed for a comprehensive, label-free investigation of their effects. The results indicate that CC, Que, and Res influence Lys fibrillogenesis in ways that depend on the phenol concentration, their combination (mixing ratios), and the experimental conditions. In particular, Lys was observed to form left-handed fibrils under these conditions in the presence of these phenolic compounds, as evidenced by the VCD signal. Furthermore, a comparison was made of the inhibitory effects of the individual phenols and their mixtures on Lys fibril formation: CC and Res were more effective inhibitors than Que. Interestingly, an equimolar mixture of CC and Res exhibited a strong synergistic inhibitory effect on fibrillation, whereas the combination of CC with Que showed an antagonistic effect. Overall, this study provides deeper insights into how specific polyphenolic compounds influence protein fibrillation processes, offering valuable information for developing therapeutic interventions targeting protein aggregation-associated disorders. Full article

Background: Fresh-cut apples are highly susceptible to quality deterioration due to enzymatic browning and oxidative degradation of bioactive compounds. This study investigated the effects of conventional polyethylene packaging (PE, Pack 1) and two innovative biodegradable packaging materials (Pack 2 and Pack 3) on the stability of bioactive compounds in fresh-cut Golden Delicious apples during refrigerated storage. Individual phenolic compounds ((+)-catechin, caffeic acid, (−)-epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, rutin, and quercetin) were quantified by HPLC-PDA, while spectrophotometric assays were used to determine total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH). The environmental performance of the packaging materials was assessed through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) using SimaPro v.9.5.5. Results: Polyphenol stability was significantly influenced by packaging and storage time (p < 0.001). Compared with fresh-cut apples at t0, Pack 2 promoted a 17.4% increase in total phenolic content after 21 days, whereas Pack 1 and Pack 3 showed reductions of 31.0% and 37.6%, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed compound-specific responses, with rutin and quercetin being markedly better preserved in Pack 3 after 21 days (17.65 and 1.93 mg/100 g, respectively) than in Pack 1 (0.67 and 0.19 mg/100 g, respectively). Two-way ANOVA confirmed significant effects of storage time, packaging, and their interaction on TPC, TFC, ABTS activity, and all individual phenolic compounds (p < 0.001), whereas DPPH activity was not significantly affected (p > 0.05). Pearson correlation (TPC–ABTS, r = 0.6885, p < 0.001) and principal component analysis indicated that antioxidant capacity was more closely associated with the qualitative phenolic profile than with total phenolic concentration alone. LCA highlighted environmental trade-offs among the packaging systems: Pack 1 showed lower impacts in several categories, Pack 2 displayed an intermediate environmental profile, whereas Pack 3 reduced dependence on fossil resources but exhibited higher land- and water-use impacts together with limitations related to end-of-life management. Conclusion: Packaging materials significantly affected the preservation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in fresh-cut apples while exhibiting distinct environmental profiles. The results demonstrate that no packaging system simultaneously maximized product quality and environmental sustainability, highlighting the importance of integrating analytical performance with life-cycle assessment when developing innovative food packaging solutions. Full article

Solanum elaeagnifolium has been utilized for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to treat a range of conditions, including pain and inflammation. It possesses antibacterial, insecticidal, and molluscicidal properties as well. To investigate the pharmacological potential of the S. elaeagnifolium extract, in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies were used. Albumin denaturation, heat-induced anti-haemolytic action, and lipooxygenase inhibition were the three techniques used to test anti-inflammatory effectiveness. The phenolic chemicals utilized were identified through the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effectiveness of the extract in lowering problems connected to diabetes was further evaluated by evaluating fructosamines, carbonyl groups, and β-amyloid formations in albumin glycation. Regarding in vivo studies, the Writhing test and the tail flick test were the two techniques used to evaluate analgesic activity. For docking analysis, we used the following identifiers: cyclooxygenase (PDB ID: 6COX), lipooxygenase (PDB ID: 3V99) and VC1 domain of the receptor for advanced glycation products (PDB ID: 7LMW). The most prevalent phenolic chemicals, according to HPLC analysis, were 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (4.78%), caffeic acid (1.28%), gallic acid (8.18%), ursolic acid (2.6%), syringic acid (1.78%), quercetin (24.09%), catechin (6.67%), and p-coumaric acid (20.49%). Significant suppression of albumin glycation and fructosamine production was demonstrated by the extract, indicating that it may help lessen difficulties associated with diabetes. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory impact, with an IC₅₀ of 146 ± 1.17 μg/mL for lipooxygenase inhibition, 87.64 ± 5.35 μg/mL for anti-haemolytic action, and 86.94 ± 1.63 μg/mL for albumin denaturation inhibition. A similar analgesic effect to those of analgesic medications was also demonstrated by SEFE extract. Reinforcing the relevance of the observed effects, the in silico study of the tested activities validated these findings. These findings indicate significant pharmacological promise in the management of diabetes consequences, including inflammation and protein glycation, as well as an analgesic. Full article

Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Coffee and its bioactive compounds, including caffeine, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, have attracted increasing attention because of their potential health benefits. Evidence from pediatric and adult populations supports a positive association between fructose intake from sugar-sweetened beverages and the increasing prevalence of obesity and other non-communicable diseases. In this context, coffee consumption may represent a potential protective dietary factor against high fructose intake-induced metabolic alterations, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and alterations in gut microbiota composition. Therefore, this review summarizes current evidence on the potential role of coffee consumption and coffee-derived bioactive compounds in modulating fructose-induced metabolic alterations and discusses the mechanisms involved. However, current evidence from human studies remains limited, and the clinical relevance of the beneficial effects observed in experimental models requires confirmation through well-designed clinical trials. Full article

Mistletoes of the genus Tristerix, native to South America, represent a unique group of mostly hemiparasitic plants with potential medicinal applications. This review synthesizes existing knowledge on their biological and phytochemical properties, focusing on three main species endemic to Chile: Tristerix aphyllus, T. corymbosus, and T. verticillatus. These species exhibit diverse interactions with host plants, animal pollinators, and seed dispersers, where host identity can influence their chemical profile. Around 17 metabolites have been found in flowers, fruits, and leaves from Tristerix spp., including flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, apigenin, luteolin), phenolic acids (e.g., caffeic acid; gallic acid), and alkaloids (e.g., pronuciferine and glaucine). Those have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-tumoral properties. Despite their traditional uses in Chilean medicine for ailments such as gastric ulcers and throat infections, experimental research on Tristerix spp. remains scarce. This review highlights their bioactive potential, emphasizing the need for further investigation into their pharmacological applications, including in vivo and clinical studies. Full article

Cyclamen cyprium Kotschy, an endemic species of Cyprus, remains largely unexplored in terms of its chemical content and biological activity, despite the well-documented effects of other Cyclamen spp. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition and biological activities of leaf extracts from the endemic C. cyprium and to compare them with those of Cyclamen persicum, the most extensively investigated species within the genus, in order to evaluate interspecific variation in phytochemical composition and bioactivity. Plant extracts prepared with methanol, ethanol, and acetone were assessed for total phenolic and flavonoid content. Their antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays), metal chelating ability, antimicrobial activity, and possible inhibitory effect related to α-amylase, α-glucosidase and acetylcholinesterase were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that solvent type significantly influenced extraction efficiency, with acetone yielding the highest phenolic (127.88 mg gallic acid/g) and flavonoid (110.42 mg rutin/g) content, while methanol extracts exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 30.18 μg/mL). Overall, C. persicum showed greater antioxidant capacity compared to C. cyprium, although both species demonstrated moderate antimicrobial activity (MIC = 0.31 mg/mL) and enzyme inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ values ranging from 14.07 to 39.64 μg/mL). Present findings highlight the presence of bioactive compounds (such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, and quercetin) in C. cyprium, supporting their potential as a natural source of antioxidant and pharmacologically relevant agents. Studying both C. cyprium and C. persicum thus provides essential comparative context, revealing species-specific bioactivities and supporting the broader pharmaceutical relevance of the genus. Full article

This study used an in vitro simulated digestion model combined with network pharmacology to investigate the bioaccessibility, dynamic changes in antioxidant capacity, and potential molecular mechanisms by which active components of sugarcane vinegar mitigate alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The results showed that the bioaccessibility of total phenols, total flavonoids, and reducing sugars in sugarcane vinegar exceeded 90% during gastric digestion. However, after combined gastrointestinal digestion, the bioaccessibility of total flavonoids was reduced significantly (39.39%). Among the phenilic phenolic monomers, ferulic acid had the highest gastric bioaccessibility index (419.10%), while luteolin exhibited the strongest stability throughout digestion process. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and total reducing capacity gradually decreased, whereas the 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) reached its peak during gastrointestinal digestion. Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant capacity was closely correlated with phenolic compounds. Alcohol detoxification experiments revealed the ethanol retention rate of sugarcane vinegar during gastric digestion was significantly higher (14%) than undigested sample. Network pharmacology analysis identified caffeic, ferulic, protocatechuic, vanillic, and gentisic acid in sugarcane vinegar, with MAOB, PTGS1, and PTGS2 targets. These molecular docking findings reveal the strong binding affinity between polyphenols and their core targets. This research establishes a robust theoretical framework for harnessing sugarcane vinegar bioactive properties as a functional food strategy to mitigate alcoholic liver disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Innovative topical delivery systems are needed to improve the stability, loading capacity, and performance of poorly water-soluble bioactive compounds. TransfersomILs, hybrid nanosystems combining transfersomes with ionic liquids (ILs), represent a promising strategy for this purpose. This work assessed the effect of incorporating cholinium-based ILs into transfersomal formulations loaded with hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs)—ferulic, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids. Methods: TransfersomILs were prepared by the thin-film hydration method followed by sonication, with or without HCA incorporation. Formulations were characterised in terms of physicochemical properties, storage stability and impact on keratinocyte viability. In vitro release, permeation, and occlusion studies were also performed. Results: IL incorporation significantly improved formulation performance. TransfersomILs showed smaller vesicle sizes and more negative zeta potential values than conventional transfersomes, indicating improved physicochemical characteristics. ILs also increased association efficiency and loading capacity for all HCAs, although the magnitude depended on both the IL and the compound. Release profiles were compound-dependent, reflecting distinct release kinetics due to variable HCA–IL–membrane interactions. Permeation studies showed enhanced HCA flux across both silastic and human epidermal membranes compared with aqueous solutions and/or conventional transfersomes, with [Cho][Gly] generally showing superior performance. All formulations demonstrated acceptable cytocompatibility and occlusive properties. Conclusions: The combination of transfersomes and cholinium-based ILs demonstrated a synergistic effect, highlighting transfersomILs as a versatile platform for improving the topical delivery of HCAs. Full article

Wine is a widely consumed beverage and important source of bioactive polyphenols, molecules with well-established health beneficial properties. The winemaking process produces byproducts, such as pomace, seeds and stems, which also comprise a valuable resource for sustainable valorization because of their phenolic content. The study herein concerns the exploitation of Negoska, a rare indigenous red grape variety of northern Greece cultivated in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) terroir of Goumenissa. In this context, we investigated various vinification fractions of Negoska, such as grapes, must, wine, pomace, seeds and stems in respect to their content in selected phenols, metabolites’ content and antioxidant properties. The respective results indicated the presence of 34 non-anthocyanin phenolics, which were quantified by LC–MS/MS analysis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a clear differentiation in the distribution between the grape fractions and the processed products. In particular, the phenolic compound pattern of Negoska wine was characterized by a high concentration of gallic (69.8 mg/L), caffeic (40.8 mg/L) and p-coumaric (31.1 mg/L) acids, while procyanidin B2 (24.0 mg/L) was among the most abundant compounds detected in wine. In must, procyanidin B2 was the predominant phenolic compound (9.7 mg/L). On the other hand, pomace, stems and seeds were identified as particularly rich reservoirs of various bioactive phenolics, with the molecule of procyanidin B2 representing one of the most abundant compounds in these matrices, reaching concentrations of 83.1–1015.1 mg/Kg DM. The investigated phenolic content fluctuated greatly among the samples investigated with procyanidin B2 and diosmin being the most abundant compounds in dried grapes, luteolin-4′-O-glucoside and diosmin in pomace, procyanidin B2, gallic acid and catechin in seeds, and procyanidin B2, epigallocatechin and luteolin-4′-O-glucoside were the prevailing molecules in stems. These findings constitute the first targeted characterization of selected phenolic compounds and their metabolites’ profiles in Negoska grapes and the respective winemaking fractions, highlighting the potential of this indigenous cultivar and its byproducts to serve as source of valuable bioactive compounds for valorization by the food and cosmetic industries. Full article

Caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT) serves as a crucial rate-limiting enzyme within the melatonin biosynthesis pathway and is involved in various primary and secondary metabolic processes, significantly contributing to plant growth, development, and stress response. Nevertheless, a comprehensive characterization of the COMT gene family in citrus species, particularly with regard to its functional roles under salinity stress, remains unavailable. In the current study, we identified 47 COMT loci from the Poncirus trifoliata genome, and these genes were observed to be non-uniformly scattered across seven chromosomes. The majority of these genes are predicted to localize within the Golgi apparatus and nucleus. Each PtrCOMT gene contains between 2 and 19 exons and 1 and 18 introns, and they are categorized into four groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Collinearity analysis uncovered three intraspecific collinear gene pairs in Poncirus trifoliata. Three orthologous collinear pairs were detected between P. trifoliata and Arabidopsis thaliana, and one pair between P. trifoliata and Oryza sativa. Additionally, the promoter regions of PtrCOMT genes were found to contain 23 distinct cis-acting regulatory elements. Expression analysis indicated tissue-specific expression patterns, with higher expression levels observed in roots. Furthermore, qRT-PCR profiling detected increased expression of multiple candidate PtrCOMT genes upon high-salt treatment, hinting that members of this family may be implicated in plant salt stress regulatory processes. Overall, these findings provide a foundation for further investigation into the functional roles of PtrCOMT genes in response to salt stress. Full article