Search Results (148)

Salvia transsylvanica, an endemic Romanian sage, remains understudied despite co-occurrence with validated medicinal Salvia species. In this study, feaves and flowers were harvested weekly during flowering (May and June) and subjected to classical hydroethanolic extraction, HPLC–DAD–ESI/MSⁿ profiling, in vitro antioxidant assays (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP), and enzyme-inhibitory screening, with multivariate analysis correlating compositional patterns with bioactivity. Rosmarinic acid dominated the phenolic profile (68.6 mg/g maximum in week 4), alongside salvianolic acids (salvianolic acid K isomers) and flavonoid glycosides (luteolin, apigenin, and hispidulin hexosides). Leaf extracts displayed higher ABTS/DPPH scavenging (higher phenolic acid content), while flowers showed superior FRAP and α-glucosidase inhibition (IC₅₀ 84–143 μg/mL, higher flavonoids), with maximal values being identified during week 4. S. transsylvanica offers complementary antioxidant profiles to commercial sages, warranting future in vivo validation for therapeutic applications. Full article

Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae), valued for its culinary use and bioactive potential, has not yet been comprehensively characterized in terms of its chemical composition and biological properties. This study investigated the nutritional profile, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activity of D. tenuifolia cultivated in Portugal. The leaves contain substantial levels of essential minerals, particularly calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and chromium, while heavy metal levels were below regulatory safety limits. The nutritional profile also revealed high dietary fiber content, enriched glutamic and aspartic acids in the protein fraction, and α-linolenic acid as the predominant fatty acid. Phenolic compounds were most efficiently extracted by boiling them in 80% methanol, yielding the highest total phenolic (125.41 mg gallic acid equivalents g⁻¹) and flavonoid contents (3.72 mg quercetin equivalents g⁻¹). HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSⁿ analysis enabled the detailed characterization of phenolic acids, flavonol glycosides, and glucosinolates, highlighting the first report of sulfoglucobrassicin in D. tenuifolia. Additionally, 6-methylsulfonyl-3-oxohexyl-glucosinolate, proline, pipecolic acid, glucaric acid, eicosanoic acid, 9,10,12,13-tetrahydroxy-octadecanoic acid (sativic acid) and 9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadec-10-enoic acid were described for the first time in this species. The extract exhibited also antioxidant activity, with ABTS IC₅₀ 57.54 ± 0.18 µg mL⁻¹, DPPH IC₅₀ 302.73 ± 2.36 µg mL⁻¹, and FRAP 752.71 ± 4.59 µmol eq. Fe(II) g⁻¹. These findings establish D. tenuifolia as a nutritionally rich plant and a promising source of natural antioxidants for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Plants inhabiting mediterranean-influenced climatic zones, like Helichrysum stoechas (L.) Moench subsp. stoechas, Lavandula pedunculata (Mill.) Cav., and Thymus mastichina (L.) L. subsp. mastichina, have been scarcely investigated regarding their richness in phenolic compounds, herein explored as sources of skin anti-aging compounds. Methods: In this investigation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ) were employed to chemically characterize the hydroethanolic extracts (HEs), and their cell-free antioxidant potential was screened. Thereafter, non-toxic concentrations of HEs were determined in human skin cells using Alamar blue^® and Sulforhodamine B assays. The cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of HEs were assessed in tert-butyl hydroperoxide-stimulated fibroblasts, their anti-inflammatory potential was studied in lipopolysaccharide-injured macrophages, and enzymatic inhibition assays were performed. Notably, the irritant effects of HEs were tested according to Test Guideline No. 439 of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Results: The major compounds identified in the T. mastichina and L. pedunculata HEs were rosmarinic and salvianolic acid derivatives, while H. stoechas HE was mainly composed of caffeoyl and feruloyl derivatives, and O-glycosylated flavonoids. T. mastichina (≤0.4 mg/mL) exhibited significant cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, as well as remarkable anti-hyaluronidase activity. Conclusions: Shedding light on the quantitative and qualitative chemical picture of these HEs highlighted T. mastichina as a promising candidate to target skin aging effects, which correlates with its phenolic content. Further investigation is warranted regarding its anti-aging pharmacological activity, which could lead to the development of plant-based skin anti-aging products. Full article

This study assessed the combined application of poultry manure (Pm), biochar (B), and coenzyme A (CoA) into soils to enhance Moringa oleifera Lam. growth, biomass yield, and nutritional and phytochemical composition. This approach allowed us to cover the gap of knowledge on sustainable, low-cost agronomic management alternatives suitable for smallholder systems. To achieve this objective a field experiment was conducted using three treatments (control (no amendment), Pm + B, and Pm + B + CoA) and four consecutive harvests were monitored. Morphological traits (height, stem diameter, number of branches, and leaf yield) were recorded, and phytochemical analyses of glucosinolates and (poly)phenols were performed via HPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn. Mineral and trace elements were quantified by ICP-OES. The main results retrieved allowed describing the capacity of the combined use of Pm + B + CoA to enhance plant growth and productivity, thus increasing the moringa trees’ height of 226.3 by 39.5%, on average, relative to control plants. ILeaf yield and branch number augmented up to 7.0-fold and 2.5-fold, respectively, under amendment treatments. Petiole girth also increased significantly by >50% (p < 0.01). Phytochemically, Pm + B + CoA significantly elevated total phenolics, vicenin-2, and quercetin acetyl-hexoside in leaves by 2.8-fold, on average, relative to control. The glucosinolate content also augmented as a result of the soil amendments assayed by 51.0%, on average, in stems and petioles, under Pm + B + CoA, compared to control samples. From these results, it can be concluded that the combined use of poultry manure, biochar, and CoA significantly improved M. oleifera growth, biomass yield, and nutritional quality, with a particular efficiency concerning (poly)phenolic accumulation. This low-cost, sustainable amendment strategy provides a viable agronomic solution in regions suffering socioeconomic constraints that hinder access to high-cost agronomic management options. Therefore, this approach effectively links ecological soil management with improved productivity, nutritional value, and potential for food industries. Full article

Glycosylation of many proteins has been revealed to be closely related to food allergy, and screening and structural analysis of related glycoproteins are essential for studies in this important area. Gly m Bd 30K is one of the major allergens that exist in soybeans. N-Glycans of the Gly m Bd 30K influenced the immunoreactivity and antigen-presenting efficiency. In this paper, soybean allergen glycoprotein Gly m Bd 30K was used as the research object. It was separated and purified by the combination of isoelectric point and Sepharose CL-6B gel. The glycoprotein was analyzed and identified by SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF MS. The N-glycans of Gly m Bd 30K glycoprotein were released and labeled by a newly developed one-pot method, and qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by ESI-MSⁿ and HILIC-UV-MS/MS. The results showed that the purity of Gly m Bd 30K glycoprotein was 95%, and the relative molecular mass was 33,923 Da. The Gly m Bd 30K glycoprotein contained a total of six kinds of glycans, including two types: oligo-mannose type (4.3%) and paucimannose type (95.7%). The paucimannose modified with core α-1,3-fucose and β-1,2-xylose accounted for 92.87%. This study provides quality-reliable materials for the follow-up study of glycan sensitization and also provides a theoretical basis for the in-depth study of the specificity and biological function of the antigenic determinant of Gly m Bd 30K glycoprotein. Full article

The phytochemical investigation and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the leaves, bark, and roots of Cochlospermum angolense Welw ex Oliv—a valued plant that is widely used in traditional Angolan medicine—hold significant importance. Compounds were extracted from the aforementioned plant using acetone and ethanol and identified by HPLC-ESI-MSn. Both extracts demonstrated notable abilities to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, and superoxide radicals, as well as to inhibit lipid peroxidation. A HPLC analysis revealed a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, quinones, and terpenes, which help neutralize free radicals and protect cells against oxidative stress, thereby contributing to the prevention of various diseases. Moreover, the acetone and ethanol extracts proved to be excellent sources of antioxidants. For the first time, the present study identified new compounds never reported in this species, such as (+)-abscisic acid, angustine B, pinobanksin, dihydrogenistein, (−)-8-prenylnaringenin, isoquercetin, samandarine, dihydromyricetin, and eupatoriocromene, in the leaves, bark, and roots, marking a significant advance in the chemical characterization of C. angolense. These findings enhance our understanding of the bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant properties of C. angolense and open new avenues for future therapeutic and pharmacological research, further supporting its traditional use in Angolan medicine. Full article

A significant amount of agri-food by-products is generated by large food industry production lines. Aligned with the principles of a circular economy, this project aims to recycle and valorize legumes, such as beans, green beans and soy by-products characterized by different heat treatments, maturation stages and cultivation methods. The valorization of food waste involved the development of an Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction (UAE) method to isolate polyphenols. Analytical techniques, including UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ, were used to identify polyphenols in legume, green bean and soy extracts obtained through UAE. Additionally, UV-Vis spectrophotometric assays measured the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), while the Kjeldahl method was employed to assess the protein content in each UAE extract. The analyses revealed a variety of valuable polyphenols in legume, green bean and soy by-products. For instance, bean by-products contain feruloyl glucaric acid derivatives, green beans by-products have different types of flavonols such as quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and soy by-products are rich in isoflavones. These findings demonstrate the potential for formulating nutraceuticals from these by-products’ extracts. Full article

Water mint (Mentha aquatica) is used in many formulations worldwide as a functional food and natural remedy to treat gastrointestinal disorders, lung diseases, and certain mental disorders such as epilepsy and depression. This study assessed the bioactivity of its infusion extract (INF) and hydroethanolic extract (HE) to highlight its health benefits. These extracts were analyzed for their chemical composition by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn, their antioxidant and antidiabetic properties, and their capacities to protect human erythrocytes against induced hemoglobin oxidation and lipid peroxidation. The effect on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cells and on the N27 rat dopaminergic neuron cell line was also assessed. The chromatographic analysis identified 57 compounds belonging to hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavone, and isoflavonoids. In respect to the biological potential, the Mentha aquatica extracts revealed a notable capacity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, nitric oxide, and superoxide radicals, as well as for the inhibition of α-glucosidase action and the protection of human erythrocytes against oxidative damage. Quantification revealed noteworthy phenolic content in both extracts. Additionally, the extracts demonstrated less cytotoxic effects regarding the NHDF and N27 cell lines. Overall, Mentha aquatica presents promising antioxidant activity and a spectrum of potential biological activities, underscoring its significance as a novel antioxidant candidate for applications in animal nutrition, human medicine, and natural product research in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Full article

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) stems, a by-product of winemaking, possess significant potential value due to their rich polyphenolic composition, which allows their exploitation for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. This presents a promising opportunity for valorisation aimed at developing innovative products with potential health-promoting effects. In this study, the polyphenolic profile of extracts from grape stems of seven white grape varieties was determined using spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods, specifically high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector and electrospray ionization multi-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn), as well as on their ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and radical scavenging capacity, using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^●) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^●+) radicals. This study also evaluated the anti-aging activity and skin depigmenting activity of these extracts. These findings revealed a diverse polyphenolic profile, encompassing proanthocyanidins and catechin derivatives (PCDs), phenolic acids, and flavonols. Among the varieties studied, ‘Códega do Larinho’ exhibited the highest concentrations of six distinct polyphenols and the highest total phenolic content. It also demonstrated the highest results for antioxidant capacity and elastase and tyrosinase inhibition. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between certain PCDs with both FRAP and DPPH assays, as well as between the identified flavonols and anti-elastase activity. These results underscore the potential health benefits of grape stem extracts and emphasize the importance of their polyphenolic composition in enhancing antioxidant and anti-aging properties, thus supporting their application in different industries. Full article

This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and a selected group of bioactivities of jatoba (Hymenaea courbaril L.) pod residue. An aqueous extract (deionized water; AE) and a hydroethanolic extract (ethanol: deionized water, 70:30 v/v; ETOH) were obtained via maceration. Ten phenolic compounds were characterized via LC-DAD-ESI/MSn: seven procyanidins, two quercetin derivatives and one taxifolin derivative, with dimers and trimers of procyanidins being the main components of both extracts. Total phenolic compound levels of 2.42 ± 0.06 and 11 ± 1 mg/g were found in AE and ETOH, respectively; however, only seven compounds were identified in ETOH. The jatoba pod residue extracts showed notable antioxidant activities: ETOH had greater antioxidant potential in the OxHLIA and DPPH assays (IC₅₀ = 25.4 μg/mL and 0.71 μg/mL, respectively); however, EA demonstrated greater potential in the FRAP system (IC₅₀ = 2001.0 µM TE/mg). Only AE showed antiproliferative potential, being effective against cell lines of gastric (GI₅₀ = 35 ± 1 µg/mL) and breast (GI₅₀ = 89 ± 4 µg/mL) adenocarcinomas. Likewise, only AE showed modest anti-inflammatory potential (IC₅₀ = 225 ± 2 µg/mL) in mouse macrophages. Bacteriostatic effects against bacteria were exerted by both extracts. Enterococcus faecalis and Listeria monocytogenes (MICs = 2.5 mg/mL) were especially sensitive to the ETOH extract. Taken together, the results suggest potential for jatoba pod residue as a source of molecules with biological activities and with possible industrial applications. Full article

Plants belonging to the genus Maytenus are members of the Celastraceae family. They have been widely used by different peoples as treatment for curing many diseases. The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Maytenus elaeodendroides stem bark extracts, an endemic Cuban plant. The antioxidant activity of four extracts (EtOH, EtOAc, n-BuOH, and diethyl ether/petroleum ether 1:1) was determined using DPPH and FRAP methods. Meanwhile, anti-inflammatory effects by the edema method were induced by croton oil in the mouse ear. The investigated extracts showed radical reduction capacity and prevented ear inflammation at doses of 4 mg/ear. In addition, FIA/ESI/IT/MSⁿ was used to determine the qualitative chemical composition of the EtOAc extract and allowed the identification of five flavan-3-ol monomers, four dimers, and other proanthocyanidin oligomers. From this extract three flavan-3-ol compounds (elaeocyanidin and 4′-O-methylgallocatechin), one of them new (2′-hydroxy-4′-methoxy-epigallocatechin), and a proanthocyanidin dimer (afzelechin-($4\mathsf{\beta }\text{→}8$)-4′-O-methylepigallocatechin) were isolated and identified by the chromatographic method and spectroscopic techniques, mainly ESI-MS and NMR spectroscopic methods. Full article

The bioactive properties of underutilized corks such as Quercus cerris cork and planted Quercus suber cork in the Eastern Mediterranean are not well-known but are crucial in developing lignocellulosic biorefineries. To assess their biological potential, hydroethanolic cork extracts of Quercus cerris and Quercus suber were analyzed for phenolic composition, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial activities, and hepatoxicity, as well as NO-production inhibition. Here, we show that a mild hydroethanolic extraction of Q. cerris and Q. suber corks yielded 3% phenolic extracts. The phenolic composition was similar in both cork extracts, with phenolic acids and ellagitannins as the primary compounds. The bioactivity of hydroethanolic cork extracts from Q. cerris surpassed that of Q. suber and showed effectiveness against all cancer cell lines tested. This first comprehensive study on the bioactivities of different corks involves detailed characterizations of phenolic compounds of cork extracts using UPLC-DAD-ESI/MSn, evaluations of the antioxidant properties with TBARS and OxHLIA methods, evaluation of antiproliferative activity against gastric (AGS), lung (NCI-H460), colon (CaCo2), and breast cancer (MCF7) cell lines, as well as evaluations of hepatotoxicity and NO-production inhibition. The findings from this study will help bolster the potential of using underutilized cork-rich barks as a valuable resource in bark-based biorefineries. Full article

Coriander, caraway, and mystical cumin are famous for their aromatic properties and widely used in Moroccan cuisine. The nutritional/phytochemical composition of their seeds (used for food flavoring and preservation) were compared. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects were also explored. The fat content was similar among the samples (13%), with monounsaturated fatty acids being predominant. The coriander and mystical cumin seeds were extremely rich in C18:1n9c (81 and 85%, respectively) while, in the caraway, C18:1n12 (25%) was found together with C18:1n9c (32%). The caraway seeds also presented a higher proportion of C18:2n6c (34%) than the other seeds (13 and 8%, correspondingly). γ-Tocotrienol was the major vitamin E form in all the samples. The caraway seeds contained double the amount of protein (~18%) compared to the other seeds (~8%) but, qualitatively, the amino acid profiles among all seeds were similar. The seeds were also rich in dietary fiber (40–53%); however, differences were found in their fiber profiles. Caraway showed the highest antioxidant profile and anti-inflammatory activity and an LC-DAD-ESI/MSⁿ analysis revealed great differences in the phenolic profiles of the samples. Cytotoxicity (NCI-H460, AGS, MCF-7, and CaCo₂) and hepatotoxicity (RAW 264.7) were not observed. In sum, besides their flavoring/preservation properties, these seeds are also relevant source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting activities. Full article

Background: The beneficial properties of wine by-products include actions that help prevent and treat cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, primarily due to their antioxidant effects. Novel pharmacotherapies are being developed to treat arterial hypertension, including investigations into natural products exhibiting biological activity, necessitating rigorous evaluation of their efficacy and safety. This study aimed to identify and quantify phenolic compounds in Syrah (Vitis vinifera) grapes grown in the Brazilian Cerrado and their presence in winemaking by-products. It also examined the effects of grape pomace on blood pressure. Methods: Fresh grapes, pomace, and lees, were subjected to spectrophotometric determination of total phenolic compounds, followed by identification and quantification using HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn. Normotensive male rats (Wistar) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) received grape pomace-enriched (150 or 300 mg/kg/day, 14 days) or standard chow. Indirect arterial pressure was assessed, while vascular reactivity was evaluated in mesenteric resistance arteries. Results: Pomace samples exhibited higher total phenolic compound concentrations than grapes or lees. Seven derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids and twenty-one flavonols were identified. Quercetin-3-glucoside and ethyl caffeate were the most abundant phenolic compounds. Grape pomace-enriched chow demonstrated a dose-dependent hypotensive effect in rats. Conclusion: the abundance of flavonols and hydroxycinnamic acids, combined with their hypotensive effects, underscores the therapeutic potential of fine wine-making by-products produced in the Brazilian Cerrado. Full article

The infusion of Santolina impressa, an endemic Portuguese plant, is traditionally used to treat various infections and disorders. This study aimed to assess its chemical profile by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSⁿ and validate its anti-inflammatory potential. In addition, the antioxidant capacity and effects on wound healing, lipogenesis, melanogenesis, and cellular senescence, all processes in which a dysregulated inflammatory response plays a pivotal role, were unveiled. The anti-inflammatory potential was assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, cell migration was determined using a scratch wound assay, lipogenesis was assessed on T0901317-stimulated keratinocytes and melanogenesis on 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)-activated melanocytes. Etoposide was used to induce senescence in fibroblasts. Our results point out a chemical composition predominantly characterized by dicaffeoylquinic acids and low amounts of flavonols. Regarding the infusion’s bioactive potential, an anti-inflammatory effect was evident through a decrease in nitric oxide production and inducible nitric oxide synthase and pro-interleukin-1β protein levels. Moreover, a decrease in fibroblast migration was observed, as well as an inhibition in both intracellular lipid accumulation and melanogenesis. Furthermore, the infusion decreased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, γH2AX nuclear accumulation and both p53 and p21 protein levels. Overall, this study confirms the traditional uses of S. impressa and ascribes additional properties of interest in the pharmaceutical and dermocosmetics industries. Full article