Search Results (551)

Recently developed polyphenol-rich extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) are well-known for their health-promoting properties and provide the opportunity to extract polyphenolic content for innovative nutraceutical development. The extraction of phenolics from three polyphenol-rich EVOOs was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and ethanol/water mixtures. The effects of water content in ethanol and the solvent-to-oil ratio were evaluated based on results obtained using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The extracts produced under the optimum conditions were also subjected to HPLC-DAD analysis and their phenolic profiles were obtained. The models derived showed high statistical significance (p ≤ 0.001) and a good fit to the experimental TPC data, as reflected by their R² values of 94.41%, 96.25%, and 93.85%, for EVOOs -A, -B, and -C, respectively. Optimum extraction conditions (100% ethanol, ratio of 7.4–10:1) maximized phenolic yield of 1365.80, 1045.56, and 1005.67 mg Tyr. Eq./kg, for EVOOs -A, -B, and -C, respectively. The optimized extracts were validated in terms of their phenolic profiles, revealing high amounts of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, oleocanthal, oleuropein, ligstroside aglycone, and oleacein. These findings contribute to the efficient recovery of polyphenols from polyphenol-rich EVOOs for potential use in the development of innovative nutraceutical supplements, medicinal formulations, and/or functional foods. Full article

Herbs and spices are traditionally added to food in cuisines around the world. Antioxidant activity and content of bioactive compounds were compared in oregano, sage, basil, rosemary, and herbal mixtures. After optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of the ethanol–water extracts, the content of reducing compounds of the herb extracts was tested using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated with ABTS (2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assays. Oregano showed the highest antioxidant activity in all tests used (2.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per mL in the Folin–Ciocalteu test, 4.6 mg Trolox/mL in the ABTS assay, and 3.3 mg Trolox/mL in the DPPH assay) while rosemary had the lowest antioxidant activity (1.2 mg GAE/mL (Folin–Ciocalteu), 1.5 mg Trolox/mL (ABTS), and 1.3 mg Trolox/mL (DPPH)). Apart from antioxidant properties, the content of bioactive compounds was determined with the use of high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It was found that in all tested Lamiaceae herbs and the herbal mixes, rosmarinic acid widely predominates as a major non-volatile phenolic constituent, and its content varies from 1121 µg/g in rosemary to 10,255 µg/g in herbes de Provence. High concentrations were also observed for quinic acid in both oregano and rosemary. Interestingly, the concentrations of rosmarinic acid in the group of herbs studied are positively correlated with the results obtained in the Folin–Ciocalteu, ABTS, and DPPH tests (Spearman’s correlation coefficient 0.7030, 0.6657, and 0.7188, respectively), whereas no such correlation is observed for quinic acid. Overall, the findings indicate that these herbs share a common hydroxycinnamate-based phytochemical framework but display clear species-specific differences reflecting their intrinsic metabolism. Furthermore, the concentration of 3-caffeoylquinic acid in the Sicilian herbs (1021 µg/g) was approximately 10 times higher compared to the samples of Dalmatian herbs, herbes de Provence, and pure herbs, which demonstrates the unique chemical composition of that mixture, including the presence of dried tomatoes and tarragon, which were not included in other tested herbal mixtures. Full article

Green and white hop shoots are routinely removed during hop production and represent an underutilized biomass stream with potential for valorization. This study evaluated the biomass yield and polyphenolic composition of shoots from three cultivated hop varieties, Aurora, Celeia, and Styrian Wolf. White and green shoots were sampled in 2021, while green shoots were additionally sampled in 2023. Total phenolics were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and individual polyphenols were quantified by HPLC. Green-shoot biomass removed during training differed significantly among varieties, ranging from 76 kg/ha in Aurora to 188 kg/ha in Styrian Wolf. Total phenolic content of green shoots ranged from 2.22 to 3.47 mg CAE/g dry matter, with Styrian Wolf showing the highest value. Polyphenolic profiles differed markedly between shoot types: white shoots contained higher concentrations of catechin, epicatechin, and naringin, whereas green shoots contained quercetin, higher ferulic acid levels, and the hop-specific prenylflavonoid xanthohumol. Interannual variation was compound-specific at green shoots: the wetter February–April period in 2021 coincided with higher epicatechin and ferulic acid concentrations, whereas naringin and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were higher in the drier 2023 February–April period. Compared with commonly consumed polyphenol-rich foods, hop shoots contained relatively low concentrations of individual polyphenols; however, their routine generation as an agricultural side stream may make them an attractive raw material for selective recovery of specific compounds, particularly hop-specific xanthohumol. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medicinal and aromatic plants are important sources of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of 19 commercially available medicinal herb and spice products of reported Mount Athos provenance and investigated the influence of extraction solvent on these properties. Methods: Extracts were prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction using water, 50% aqueous methanol, or 50% aqueous acetone. TPC was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and a qualitative supercoiled plasmid DNA relaxation assay. Solvent effects were assessed using Friedman and post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and associations between TPC and antioxidant activity were examined using correlation and regression analyses. Results: TPC and antioxidant activity varied considerably among botanical products and extraction conditions, with Origanum spp. generally exhibiting among the highest TPC values and strong antioxidant responses. Aqueous acetone yielded significantly higher TPC than aqueous methanol and water. Both aqueous organic solvents produced greater DPPH inhibition than water, whereas aqueous methanol produced greater ABTS activity than water; no significant solvent effect was observed for FRAP. TPC was positively associated with antioxidant activity, particularly ABTS and FRAP, explaining up to 78% of its variability. Several extracts also preserved the supercoiled plasmid DNA form under hydroxyl radical-generating conditions, although this observation requires quantitative confirmation. Conclusions: Medicinal herbs and spices of Athonite provenance exhibit considerable phytochemical and antioxidant variability. Extraction solvent influences phenolic recovery and antioxidant activity in an assay-dependent manner, with no single solvent being uniformly superior. These findings provide baseline data supporting further phytochemical characterization and quantitative evaluation of the antioxidant and DNA-protective properties of these botanical materials. Full article

This study compared total phenolic content (TPC) in potato tubers of four Lithuanian cultivars (VB Venta, Goda, VB Meda, and VB Aista) across three seed propagation stages. Folin–Ciocalteu-reactive compounds were analyzed in peel, flesh, and whole-tuber samples from three seed propagation stages: minitubers (m₁), standard tubers (m₂), and first-class certified seed potatoes (E₁), using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. TPC was consistently highest in the peel, reaching 107.1 ± 5.3 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) in VB Venta (m₂), whereas the highest flesh TPC (86.7 ± 4.3 µg GAE g⁻¹ DW) was observed in VB Meda (E₁). Across cultivars, peel TPC increased from 72.9 µg GAE g⁻¹ DW in m₁ to 85.6 µg GAE g⁻¹ DW in E₁. Whole-tuber TPC varied less among seed propagation stages (56.2–58.8 µg GAE g⁻¹ DW). Because the seed propagation stages were produced under different cultivation conditions, the observed differences cannot be attributed solely to seed generation. The results confirm the higher concentration of Folin–Ciocalteu-reactive compounds in potato peel and indicate its potential for further investigation as a source of bioactive compounds. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic content, mineral profile, antioxidant capacity, and in vivo diuretic activity of resins secreted by Rosaceae family trees grown in the same environment. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum nitrate methods, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated via iron-reducing power, copper-reducing capacity, and DPPH assays. Resin chemical composition, phenolic structures, and mineral content were analyzed using GC/MS, HPLC, and ICP-MS. For the in vivo diuretic activity, Wistar albino rats were divided into control (0.9% NaCl), furosemide (10 mg/kg), and resin extract (100 mg/kg) groups. Urine samples were collected at 5 and 24 h to analyze diuretic activity, creatinine, urea, uric acid, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels. Plant resins demonstrated high phenolic and flavonoid contents, strong antioxidant properties, and rich essential mineral profiles with valuable bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the resins exhibited potential diuretic activity parallel to that of furosemide. At 24 h, urine activity was high in Prunus spinosa and Prunus dulcis, while Prunus domestica, Prunus cerasifera, Prunus armeniaca, and Prunus persica showed moderate activity. Prunus plant resins possess significant potential as bioactive components, natural antioxidants, or preservatives in food formulations. Additionally, their demonstrated diuretic effect highlights their promising therapeutic potential in fluid balance management. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus (shimeji) is an edible mushroom widely recognized for its nutritional value and production of bioactive compounds. In addition to its fruiting body, mycelial biomass has emerged as a promising and sustainable alternative to produce bioactive compounds under controlled cultivation conditions. This study evaluated the nutritional composition, texture profile, biochemical composition, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant properties of the mycelium of P. ostreatus. Nutritional parameters were determined by FoodScan™ (NIR), while biochemical composition was assessed through spectrophotometric quantification of soluble proteins, free amino acids, reducing sugars, and total carbohydrates. Texture Profile Analysis (TPA) was performed to characterize the mechanical and technological properties of the mycelial biomass. Total phenolic compounds were quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and individual phenolics were identified by HPLC-DAD. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS, DPPH, TEAC, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The mycelium exhibited high moisture content and relevant protein levels, as well as a rigid structural profile characterized by elevated hardness and gumminess. Biochemical characterization revealed considerable concentrations of soluble proteins and free amino acids, together with detectable levels of reducing sugars and total carbohydrates. The aqueous extract showed high total phenolic content and expressive antioxidant activity, with gallic acid identified as the predominant phenolic compound, followed by ferulic acid. The extracts also demonstrated efficient radical scavenging capacity in ABTS, DPPH, and hydroxyl radical assays. These findings highlight P. ostreatus mycelium as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds with potential applications as a functional ingredient in food, nutraceutical, and biotechnology sectors, reinforcing its role within circular bioeconomy strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Garlic (Allium sativum) has long been valued for its rich constellation of organosulfur and phenolic compounds, molecules that underpin its many recognized biological activities. Despite its deep roots in traditional medicine, the functional profile of garlic is far from uniform; it shifts notably depending on how its bioactive components are extracted. Most scientific attention has gravitated toward ethanolic extracts, leaving the behavior of aqueous-buffer preparations relatively unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and exploratory immunometabolic effects of extracts obtained with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 50% ethanol in PBS (EtOH:PBS; 50:50, v/v), using a regional garlic variety (“Jaspeado”) cultivated in northwestern Mexico. Methods: Their antioxidant potential was profiled through DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC assays; phenolic content was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and a broader chemical fingerprint was obtained through UPLC-ESI-TQ-MS/MS. Furthermore, we analyzed their antimicrobial action against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, and examined their immunometabolic influence in LPS-stimulated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results: The extracts showed distinct, solvent-dependent patterns of antioxidant activity. The PBS extract displayed the highest ORAC values, whereas the EtOH:PBS extract showed a stronger DPPH and ABTS activity and a higher phenolic recovery. The PBS extract exhibited a broader bacteriostatic effect, inhibiting the growth of all strains, and selectively modulated antioxidant gene expression and influenced cytokine changes in adipocytes. Conclusions: Overall, this regional garlic variety exhibits solvent-dependent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, while the PBS extract provided a biocompatible preparation for exploring relationships between chemical composition and biological activities. Full article

The growing demand for healthier beverages has boosted the development of fruit-based functional drinks, but their real potential depends not only on initial bioactive content but also on the fraction that remains available after digestion (bioaccessibility). This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and in vitro bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in a beverage formulated from pineapple, apple, ginger, and cinnamon extracts, with inulin and myo-inositol as complementary ingredients. Three formulations were prepared: F1 (fruit–spice extract), F2 (F1 + inulin), and F3 (F1 + inulin + myo-inositol). Physicochemical parameters (pH, °Brix, reducing sugars, dietary fiber), total phenolic content (Folin–Ciocalteu), and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP) were measured before and after an adapted INFOGEST gastrointestinal digestion. Bioaccessibility was calculated from the intestinal supernatant. All formulations had pH 3.61, but soluble solids increased from F1 to F3 (6.17–8.97 °Brix). Folin–Ciocalteu values decreased after digestion in all formulations, but F1 retained the highest bioaccessibility (95.05 ± 5.82%), while F2 and F3 showed much lower values (33.28 ± 2.01% and 39.17 ± 5.52%, respectively). ABTS values increased after digestion in all formulations, with bioaccessibility exceeding 100% (125–143%). In contrast, FRAP values dropped sharply after digestion (bioaccessibility 4.59–11.00%), with F2 and F3 showing slightly higher retention than F1. The antioxidant response after digestion is strongly method-dependent and influenced by the beverage matrix. The formulation without inulin and myo-inositol (F1) better preserved the reducing capacity measured by Folin–Ciocalteu, while enriched formulations showed higher FRAP retention. ABTS bioaccessibility increased universally, suggesting release or transformation of radical-scavenging compounds during digestion. This study supports the need to include bioaccessibility assays when evaluating the functional potential of complex fruit-based beverages. Full article

Background and Objectives: Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) contains phenolic constituents with antioxidant and cytotoxic activities; however, evidence regarding aqueous leaf extracts in lung adenocarcinoma models and reconstructed human airway tissues remains limited. The novelty of the present study lies in the integrated evaluation of the same aqueous extract through phytochemical and antioxidant characterization, a three-dimensional reconstructed tracheobronchial tissue model, and complementary short- and long-term biological endpoints in A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Materials and Methods: Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay, total phenolic content (TPC) using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the targeted phenolic profile using UHPLC–MS/MS. EpiAirway^TM tissues were exposed to 1000 µg/mL extract for 24 h, and tissue metabolic viability was assessed using the MTT assay. A549 cells were treated with 20–1000 µg/mL extract for 24 h and evaluated using complementary metabolic, lysosomal, mitochondrial, morphological, membrane-integrity, and clonogenic endpoints. Results: The extract exhibited concentration-dependent DPPH radical-scavenging activity, with an estimated IC₅₀ of 1.37 mg/mL (95% CI: 1.00–1.88 mg/mL), and a TPC of 10.84 ± 0.03 mg GAE/g dry extract. The most abundant targeted analytes were the unresolved 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid/3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid group (2.09 ± 0.60 µg/mL) and the p-coumaric acid/trans-p-coumaric acid group (1.31 ± 0.04 µg/mL). EpiAirway^TM tissue viability was 85.87% following exposure to 1000 µg/mL. In A549 cells, metabolic viability decreased to approximately 59% and 53% at 500 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively, whereas neutral red uptake declined to approximately 50% at 1000 µg/mL. Treatment was also associated with mitochondrial membrane depolarization, concentration-dependent cellular and nuclear alterations, apoptotic-like and necrotic staining patterns, and a reduction in clonogenic capacity to approximately 21% at 1000 µg/mL. Conclusions: The aqueous M. officinalis leaf extract exhibited measurable antioxidant activity, did not cause a marked acute reduction in EpiAirway^TM tissue metabolic viability under the single exposure condition tested, and produced concentration-dependent cytotoxic and sustained antiproliferative effects in A549 cells. These exploratory findings do not establish comprehensive respiratory safety, a specific cell-death mechanism, or tumor selectivity. Nevertheless, the integrated experimental approach supports further investigation using standardized multiple extract batches, matched malignant and non-malignant lung epithelial models, and quantitative molecular endpoints. Full article

Oral mucositis is a frequent adverse effect of cancer therapy and is often complicated by pain, oral dryness, and secondary infection. Freeze-dried hyaluronic acid (HA) sheets can protect and moisturize the oral mucosa, but their intrinsic antibacterial activity is limited. We developed freeze-dried HA sheets containing the commercial persimmon tannin product PANCIL^® PS-M and evaluated their release behavior, pH profile, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro cytocompatibility. Persimmon tannin release into phosphate-buffered saline was quantified over 8 h using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mitis, Prevotella intermedia, and Candida albicans was assessed by colony counting, and cytocompatibility was evaluated using the human oral cell line T3M-1. Approximately 95% of the incorporated persimmon tannin was released within 8 h, while the surrounding pH remained near neutral to mildly alkaline. The antibacterial HA sheets markedly reduced viable counts of S. mitis and P. intermedia, whereas no inhibitory effect was observed against C. albicans. Neither HA sheet nor antibacterial HA sheet solutions significantly reduced T3M-1 cell viability at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL after 24 h. These findings suggest that persimmon tannin-containing HA sheets may provide sustained antibacterial activity without detectable cytotoxicity under the tested conditions and may serve as a topical adjunct for cancer treatment-related oral mucositis. Full article

Germination is a cost-effective bioprocessing technique for enhancing seed properties such as sesame seeds, an underutilized seed crop. This research evaluates modifications in physicochemical and antioxidant activity of white sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum L.) influenced by germination. In this context, non-germinated seeds and germinated seeds at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h were evaluated separately for their phytochemical profile, including TFC (aluminum chloride colorimetric method), TPC (Folin–Ciocalteu method) and antioxidant properties (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays). Significant variations in the proximate composition, phytochemical densities, and antioxidant activities of white sesame seeds were observed as influenced by germination. The statistical analysis showed an increase in flavonoid content when germination was extended to 48 h, but a decline when extended beyond 48 h, whereas higher polyphenol quantities were observed in sesame seeds germinated for 96 and 120 h. The DPPH activity of germinated (24 h) sesame seed extracts was highest. In contrast, ABTS activity was higher in non-germinated seeds than in seeds germinated for 96 h, and it began to decline at 120 h. In general, a negative correlation between antioxidant activity and extended germination time (120 h) has been observed. For the incorporation of sesame seeds into functional food products, 48 h of germination appeared to have potential suitability for a favorable antioxidant and phytochemical profile. Full article

Obesity is a global metabolic disease closely associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and chronic oxidative stress. Cydonia oblonga Miller (COM, Quince) from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China is a traditional medicinal and edible plant rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and other bioactive constituents. Our previous studies suggested that total polyphenols of Cydonia oblonga Miller (TPCOM) may exert promising anti-obesity effects. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of TPCOM on high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice and to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms related to glycolipid metabolism. Methods: TPCOM was extracted and purified from Xinjiang Cydonia oblonga fruits, and its total polyphenol content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. C57 mice were randomly divided into normal diet, model, and TPCOM intervention groups. After 12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding and 6 weeks of TPCOM treatment, body weight was monitored continuously. Serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were measured using commercial kits. Hepatic pathological changes were observed by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining. Bioinformatics analyses including GO and KEGG were performed to predict key targets and pathways related to lipid metabolism. The protein expression levels of PPARGC1A, FFAR1, KLF15, Adipolin, GLUT4, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK in liver tissues were detected by Western blotting. Results: TPCOM intervention significantly reduced body weight gain in obese mice in a dose-dependent manner. Serum biochemical assays showed that TPCOM decreased TC, TG, and LDL-C levels, increased HDL-C levels, and markedly enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). Bioinformatics analysis suggested that PPARG and FFAR1 were highly expressed in liver tissue and may participate in glucose and lipid metabolism regulation. Western blot results confirmed that TPCOM significantly upregulated the expression of PPARGC1A, FFAR1, KLF15, Adipolin, GLUT4, and phosphorylated p38 MAPK in the liver of obese mice. Conclusions: TPCOM effectively ameliorates obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. The underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of glycolipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, and antioxidant signaling via activating the FFAR1–PPARG–p38 MAPK axis and downstream targets including PPARGC1A, KLF15, Adipolin, and GLUT4. This study provides a scientific basis and theoretical support for the development and application of TPCOM as a natural functional ingredient in the prevention and adjuvant treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. Full article

Fucus vesiculosus (FV) is a brown macroalga rich in bioactive compounds with significant industrial potential. This study aimed to produce enzyme-assisted water-soluble hydrolysates from FV with optimized antioxidant activity using Box–Behnken experimental designs. Two extraction methods were evaluated: cellulase alone (FVc) and a combination of cellulase and alcalase (FVca). The optimization focused on enzyme concentration, temperature, and incubation time, measuring extraction yield, total phenolic content as determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu assay (non-specific reducing capacity index, FC-derived TPC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Results demonstrated that the combined dual-enzyme (FVca) treatment was highly efficient, simultaneously maximizing the extraction yield (39.41%) and the overall reducing capacity (TAC of 142.80 µmol TE/g, ORAC of 477.64 µmol TE/g, and a FC-derived TPC of 252.57 mg GAE/g). Due to its higher potential, FVca was further characterized, revealing a rich profile of essential amino acids, low-molecular-weight peptides, and a diverse phenolic profile, dominated by phloroglucinol (6.23 mg/g). In addition, the FVca hydrolysate demonstrated severe abiotic interference with the redox viability assay at 10 mg/mL in Caco-2 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell cultures. These findings highlight that combining cellulase and alcalase effectively solubilizes key bioactive compounds, yielding a hydrolysate highly promising for industrial and biotechnological applications. Full article

This study investigated the valorisation potential of dried and frozen pomace obtained as by-products from the processing of Rosa rugosa fruits. The antioxidant activity of the pomace was assessed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with the TEMPO radical. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and individual phenolic compounds were analysed by UHPLC. Frozen pomace exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity than dried pomace (2.76 vs. 1.64 mmol TE/100 g d.m.) and contained greater amounts of ellagic acid (19.29 vs. 13.08 mg/100 g d.m.), gallic acid (17.05 vs. 5.07 mg/100 g d.m.), procyanidin B2 (14.92 vs. 11.88 mg/100 g d.m.), and catechin (2.84 vs. 1.12 mg/100 g d.m.). To assess technological applicability, Rosa rugosa pomace was incorporated into an agar-based model fruit gel system at levels of 3%, 5%, and 10% (w/w). The enriched gels were evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and physicochemical parameters, including colour, water activity, and moisture content. The incorporation of pomace into gel systems was found to significantly increase the total phenolic content, raising it from 48.64 mg GAE/100 g in the control sample to 267.56 mg GAE/100 g in gels containing 10% pomace. Antioxidant activity also increased, rising from 335.79 to 1264.37 μmol TE/100 g. The addition of pomace was also found to reduce the moisture content from 71.02% to 64.17%, while the water activity remained stable (0.821–0.840). Sensory evaluation indicated that gels containing 3–5% pomace achieved the highest consumer acceptance. These results demonstrate that Rosa rugosa pomace is a valuable and sustainable source of functional ingredients that can enhance the bioactive properties of food products while maintaining desirable physicochemical characteristics. Full article