Search Results (802)

In this study, using 70% anhydrous ethanol as the extraction solvent, Moringa oleifera Lam. seed powder was extracted with the microwave-assisted extraction method, followed by purification using macroporous adsorbent resin NKA-9. The purified glucosinolate was subsequently hydrolyzed with myrosinase. The glucosinolate and its enzymatic product were identified as 4-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl glucosinolate (4-RBMG) and benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) by UV–Vis, FT-IR, NMR, and MS. The bioactivities, including anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-tumor activities of 4-RBMG and BITC, were systematically evaluated and compared. The results show that at 5–20 mg/mL, the anti-oxidation effects of 4-RBMG on DPPH and ABTS free radicals are superior to those of BITC. However, at the same concentrations, BITC has stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities compared to 4-RBMG. Notably, at a concentration of 6.25 μmol/L, BITC significantly inhibited NO production with an inhibitory rate of 96.67% without cytotoxicity. Additionally, at a concentration of 40 μmol/L, BITC exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on five tumor cell lines, with the cell inhibitory rates of leukemia HL-60, lung cancer A549, and hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 exceeding 90%. This study provides some evidence that the enzymatic product, BITC, shows promise as a therapeutic agent for tumor suppression and inflammation reduction. Full article

Isatis tinctoria L. (Brassicaceae), also known as woad or dyer’s woad, is an ancient plant with a rosy future ahead. Most of the knowledge about woad is related to indigo dye production and its medicinal applications, especially its leaves. The general interest in woad has decreased with the rise of petroleum-based products. However, nowadays this plant is attracting interest again with industries reintroducing natural dyes. To meet the market demand in a sustainable manner, recent studies have focused specifically on woad seeds, leading to a valorization of the whole woad plant. This review provides an overview of the botanical, phytochemical composition, and properties of woad seeds, primarily supporting their cosmetic and pharmaceutical potential. From a chemical point of view, woad seeds mainly contain fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols and glucosinolates. These compounds have been investigated through their extraction and analytical methods, as well as their properties and industrial applications. Full article

Estrogens are considered the most important risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Therefore, attempts are being made to reduce their level through diminished synthesis on one hand and to protect against the formation of DNA-damaging estrogen metabolites on the other. Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) play key roles in estrogen synthesis and catabolism, leading to potentially carcinogenic metabolites. CYP19 (aromatase) catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens. The estrogen receptor-dependent pathway induces cell growth. CYP1 family enzymes, particularly CYP1B1, are involved in the redox cycling of estrogen metabolites and the subsequent estrogen–DNA adducts formation. Naturally occurring phytochemicals of different classes were shown to modulate the CYP expression and activity in cell-free systems or breast cancer cells. One of the most promising CYP19 inhibitors is chrysin (flavone), while stilbenes seem to be the most effective CYP1B1 inhibitors. In most cases, their effect is not specific. Therefore, different approaches are made to find the best candidate for the drug prototype of a new therapeutic or chemopreventive agent and to improve its pharmacokinetic parameters. This review presents and discusses the possible effects on major CYPs involved in estrogen metabolism by phytochemicals from the most investigated classes, namely flavonoids, stilbenes, and glucosinolates breakdown products. Full article

The contents of glucosinolates and erucic acid clearly vary in Brassica napus seeds, but a few studies still focus on the effects of B. napus cultivars on the life table parameters of Myzus persicae. In this study, the life history parameters of M. persicae in six B. napus cultivars were examined at 25 ± 1 °C, 50 ± 10% RH, and a photoperiod of 14 h of light/10 h of dark under laboratory conditions. The results showed that significant differences exist in the life table parameters of M. persicae in six B. napus cultivars. The female fecundity, net reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, and total longevity of M. persicae were higher in Xinong 18, Aiganyou 558, and Aiyouku 999. However, the intrinsic rate of increase in M. persicae was significantly lower in Zhongshuang 11 (r_m = 0.28 ± 0.006) and Mianxinyou 78 (r_m = 0.23 ± 0.007), suggesting the host-induced suppression of M. persicae population growth. Among all the cultivars mentioned above, Zhongshuang 11 and Mianxinyou 78 were recommended for planting for decreasing M. persicae population numbers. Additionally, more attention should be paid to Xinong 18, Aiyouku 999, and Aiganyou 558 to control M. persicae populations, and we conclude that Brassica napus cultivars affect the developmental duration and the population dynamics of M. persicae. Full article

Arugula leaves (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. and Eruca sativa L.) are a must-have ingredient in ready-to-eat salads, as they are prized for their appearance, taste, and flavor. The nutraceutical properties of this leafy vegetable are attributed to the presence of valuable secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids and glucosinolates. Using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS analysis and ion chromatography, we characterized the content of phenolic acids, glucosinolates, nitrates, and organic acids in organic arugula [Diplotaxis tenuifolia (L.) DC] and evaluated how the foliar application of three different non-microbial biostimulants (a seaweed extract, a vegetable protein hydrolysate, and a tropical plant extract) modulated the expression of these. Although the application of vegetable protein hydrolysate increased, compared to control plants, the nitrate content, the application of the same biostimulant increased the total content of glucosinolates and phenolic acid derivatives by 5.2 and 17.2%. Specifically, the foliar application of the plant-based biostimulant hydrolyzed protein significantly increased the content of glucoerucin (+22.9%), glucocheirolin (+76.8%), and ferulic acid (+94.1%). The highest values of flavonoid derivatives (173.03 μg g⁻¹ dw) were recorded from plants subjected to the exogenous application of seaweed extract. The results obtained underscore how biostimulants, depending on their origin and composition, can be exploited not only to improve agronomic performance but also to enhance the nutraceutical content of vegetables, guaranteeing end consumers a product with premium quality characteristics. Full article

Broccoli stalks are considered an agro-industrial by-product that, in the context of fresh consumption, is undervalued, as only broccoli florets are typically marketed. This study evaluated the up-cycling of broccoli stalks into a value-added fresh-cut product through postharvest preservation strategies. Stalks were peeled, cut into sticks (8 × 8 mm × 50–100 mm), sanitised, packaged under modified atmosphere conditions, and stored at 5 °C. Treatments included (a) calcium ascorbate (CaAsc, 1% w/v), (b) trehalose (TREH, 5% w/v), (c) hot water treatment (HWT, 55 °C, 1 min), and several combinations of them. HWT alone was highly effective in reducing browning, a key factor for achieving an extended shelf-life, controlling microbial growth and respiration, and obtaining the highest sensory scores (appearance = 7.3 on day 11). However, it was less effective in preserving bioactive compounds. The HWT + CaAsc treatment proved to be the most effective at optimising quality and retaining health-promoting compounds. It increased vitamin C retention by 78%, antioxidant capacity by 68%, and total phenolic content by 65% compared to the control on day 11. This synergistic effect was attributed to the antioxidant action of ascorbic acid in CaAsc. TREH alone showed no preservative effect, inducing browning, elevated respiration, and microbial proliferation. Overall, combining mild thermal and antioxidant treatments offers a promising strategy to valorise broccoli stalks as fresh-cut snacks. An 11-day shelf-life at 5 °C was achieved, with increased content of health-promoting bioactive compounds, while supporting circular economy principles and contributing to food loss mitigation. Full article

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions are the leading causes of death globally, largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors. With growing interest in dietary strategies for NCDs prevention and management, functional foods like watercress (Nasturtium officinale) have attracted attention for their rich phytochemical content and potential health benefits. This narrative review synthesizes 88 sources published between 2019 and March 2025, exploring the effects of watercress bioactive compounds on major NCDs. Watercress is abundant in glucosinolates, isothiocyanates (especially phenethyl isothiocyanate), flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory effects. Preclinical and clinical studies show that watercress supplementation may improve lipid profiles, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammation in cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. It also appears to enhance insulin function and reduce blood glucose levels. In cancer models, watercress extracts exhibit antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and chemoprotective properties, with selective toxicity towards cancer cells and protective effects on normal cells. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of watercress as a dietary adjunct in NCDs prevention and management, supporting the need for further clinical research. Full article

The aim was to investigate effects of various proportions (0 to 20%) of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant status in Sansui ducks (Sansui Sheldrake ducks). A total of 350 male ducklings, 15 d old, were allocated into five dietary treatments with seven replicate pens of 10 birds per pen. The starter diets had 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% FRSM that contained 0, 1.08, 2.17, 3.25, or 4.34 µmol glucosinolates (GLS/g of complete feed, respectively, fed from d 15 to d 35. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 15 to 35 increased linearly with the dietary FRSM inclusion, with the ducks fed 15 or 20% FRSM diets having higher (p < 0.05) ADFIs and FCRs than the ducks fed 0% FRSM. The dietary FRSM inclusion levels of up to 15% were accompanied by decreased catalase (CAT) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) activities in the livers and jejunum of the ducks at d 35. In addition, the 20% FRSM (4.34 µmol GLS/g diet) decreased the villus height, crypt depth, muscular thickness, and goblet cell counts in the jejunum and ileum. In conclusion, 15 or 20% dietary FRSM (3.25 or 4.34 µmol GLS/g diet) during the grower period in Sansui ducks decreased feed efficiency, disrupted hepatic antioxidant balance, and impaired intestinal morphology and structure. The FRSM inclusion of ≥15% (3.25 µmol glucosinolates/g) impaired feed efficiency and antioxidant activity, while the 20% FRSM (4.34 µmol glucosinolates/g) induced intestinal damage in the growing Sansui ducks. Full article

Glucosinolates (GSLs), sulfur-containing secondary metabolites produced by cruciferous plants, act as sulfur (S) stores, repel pests, and exhibit cancer-preventive properties in humans. Based on Arabidopsis studies, this study outlines the regulatory mechanisms of GSL biosynthesis and metabolism in response to environmental S content. Additionally, we review the case of wild perennial Brassicales, with a focus on Lepidium latifolium. These wild perennial species respond differently to S availability by modulating their GSL profiles to enhance insect interactions or allocate resources for survival. The rich diversity of GSLs among wild perennial Brassicales highlights the potential for uncovering the ecological and physiological roles of GSLs and their catabolites in plants, as well as their nutraceutical benefits for human health. Full article

Brassica napus is one of the most important oil crops. Rapid breeding of excellent genotypes is an important aspect of breeding. As a cutting-edge and reliable technique, genome-wide selection (GS) has been widely used and is influenced by many factors. In this study, ten phenotypic traits of two populations were studied, including oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), linolenic acid (C18:3), glucosinolate (GSL), seed oil content (SOC), and seed protein content (SPC), silique length (SL), days to initial flowering (DIF), days to final flowering (DFF), and the flowering period (FP). The effects of different GS models, marker densities, population designs, and the inclusion of nonadditive effects, trait-specific SNPs, and deleterious mutations on GS were evaluated. The results highlight the superior prediction accuracy (PA) under the RF model. Among the ten traits, the PA of glucosinolate was the highest, and that of linolenic acid was the lowest. At the same time, 5000 markers and a population of 400 samples, or a training population three times the size of an applied breeding population, can achieve optimal performance for most traits. The application of nonadditive effects and deleterious mutations had a weak effect on the improvement of traits with high PA but was effective for traits with low PA. The use of trait-specific SNPs can effectively improve the PA, especially when using markers with p-values less than 0.1. In addition, we found that the PA of traits was significantly and positively correlated with the number of markers, according to p-values less than 0.01. In general, based on the associated population, a GS system suitable for B. napus was established in this study, which can provide a reference for the improvement of GS and is conducive to the subsequent application of GS in B. napus, especially in the aspects of model selection of GS, the application of markers, and the setting of population sizes. Full article

The quest to establish permanent outposts in space, the Moon, and Mars requires growing plants for nutrition, water purification, and carbon/nutrient recycling, as well as the psychological well-being of crews and personnel on extra-terrestrial platforms/outposts. To achieve these essential goals, the safety, quality, and sustainability of plant material grown in space should be comparable to Earth-grown crops. In this study, radish plants were grown at 2500 ppm CO₂ in two successive grow-outs on the International Space Station and at similar CO₂ partial pressure at the Kennedy Space Center. An additional control experiment was performed at the University of Louisiana Lafayette laboratory, at ambient CO₂. Subsequent analyses of glucosinolate and sugar species and content showed that regardless of growth condition, glucoraphasatin, glucoraphenin, glucoerucin, glucobrassicin, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and three aliphatic GSLs tentatively assigned to 3-methylpentyl GSL, 4-methylpentyl GSL, and n-hexyl GSL were present in all examined plants. The most common sugars were fructose, glucose, and sucrose, but some plants also contained galactose, maltose, rhamnose, and trehalose. The variability of individual secondary metabolite abundances was not related to gravity conditions but appeared more sensitive to CO₂ concentration. No indication was found that radish cultivation in space resulted in stress(es) that increased glucosinolate secondary metabolism. Flavor and nutrient components in space-grown plants were comparable to cultivation on Earth. Full article

Vegetables are usually thermally processed before consumption to improve their flavor and safety. In this work, the effect of boiling (BO), blanching (BL), steaming (ST), air-frying (AF), and pan-frying (PF)on the nutritional value and bioactivity of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) heads was investigated, including a comparative analysis of the tissue and the cooking water remaining after the treatments. Using spectrophotometric methods, AF broccoli was found to have the highest levels (p ≤ 0.05) of hydroxycinnamic acids (1.58 ± 0.71 mg CAE/g fw), total glucosinolates (3.76 ± 2.09 mg SinE/g fw), carotenoids (6.73 ± 2.89 mg/kg fw), and lycopene (0.91 ± 0.19 mg/kg fw). Steamed and AF broccoli had the highest total phenolics (0.72 ± 0.12 mg GAE/g fw and 0.65 ± 0.15 mg GAE/g fw, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). ST broccoli also had the highest levels of soluble sugars (11.04 ± 2.45 mg SucE/g fw) and total tannins (0.46 ± 0.19 mg GAE/g fw). The water remaining after cooking broccoli (BOW) had the highest total flavonoids (2.72 ± 0.59 mg QE/g fw) and antioxidant capacity (ABTS and FRAP, 57.57 ± 18.22% and 79.34 ± 3.28%, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). The DPPH assay showed that AF (36.12 ± 15.71%) and ST (35.48 ± 2.28%) had the strongest antioxidant potential. DNA nicking assay showed that BOW and BLW were the most effective in preserving plasmid DNA supercoiled form (99.51% and 94.81%, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). These results demonstrate that thermal processing significantly affects the phytochemical composition and functional properties of broccoli, with steaming and air-frying generally preserving the highest nutritional quality. Additionally, cooking water, often discarded, retains high levels of bioactive compounds and exhibits strong antioxidant and DNA-protective effects. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate how different thermal processing techniques of vegetables influence their ability to protect plasmid DNA structure. Furthermore, this is the first study to compare the DNA-protective effects of broccoli tissue extracts and the water remaining after cooking broccoli. Full article

Chinese kale sprouts are widely cultivated and consumed due to their elevated nutritional worth and ease of cultivation in controlled environments. This study focused on the effects of several light types (white, red, and blue) both by themselves and in conjunction with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) on the physiological development and nutritional value of Chinese kale sprouts. Analysis proved that under differing light treatments, white light resulted in the highest pigment content, and red light markedly increased plant height, fresh mass, and soluble sugar accumulation. Additionally, blue light significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity. When light quality and calcium chloride were applied together, fresh mass increased by 9.50%, 9.85%, and 12.47% (compared with single light treatments), and significantly elevated the indolic glucosinolate content. Besides, red light combined with calcium chloride also enhanced the antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) content) compared with red light alone, increasing by 14.31%. This research determined that red light in conjunction with calcium chloride obtained the highest yield of sprouts, and it can also offer new strategies for increasing the antioxidant capacity, while the blue light in conjunction with calcium chloride can provide more ways for accumulating glucosinolates. In conclusion, incorporating light quality and calcium chloride treatments in Chinese kale sprout cultivation is an effective approach for increasing yield and quality. Full article

Neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, as well as epilepsy, affect millions of people. Due to their impact on patients’ quality of life, they represent a major health issue. Natural compounds are arising as new treatments for these diseases. Particularly, glucosinolates (GLS) are secondary metabolites found in Cruciferae family plants. Their basic structure consists of a glucose unit linked to a thiohydroximate-O-sulfonate group and an aliphatic, aralkyl, or indolyl side chain, depending on their precursor amino acid. Specifically, aliphatic GLS derive from methionine, aromatic ones from phenylalanine, and indolic ones from tryptophan. Myrosinase (thioglucoside glucohydrolase) is the crucial enzyme for GLS degradation, leading to the production of isothiocyanates (ITCs). ITCs attracted considerable scientific interest for their protective effects against various diseases, thanks to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Here, we collected the latest evidence regarding ITC effects in neurodegenerative, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders, including preclinical and clinical studies published in the last decade. These studies evidenced ITCs’ neuroprotective effects, exerted mainly through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, ITCs’ integration, also through the diet, may represent a safe and efficacious strategy to improve health and limit the risk of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, new large-scale trials are needed to determine their therapeutic potential, particularly for diseases with no clinical evidence. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that poses a significant gastroenterological challenge. Methods: This study investigates the protective effects of garlic peel extract (GPE) in a rat model of acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis. Rats received oral GPE (100 mg/kg) for 14 days prior to AA administration, and this continued for 14 days post-induction. Results: GC-MS analysis of GPE identified several key phytochemicals, primarily methyl esters of fatty acids (62.47%), fatty acids (10.36%), fatty acid derivatives (6.75%), and vitamins (4.86%) as the major constituents. Other notable compounds included steroids, natural alcohols, organosulfur compounds, fatty aldehydes, carotenoids, sugars, and glucosinolates. GPE treatment significantly improved body weight and colon length. Biochemical analysis showed that GPE downregulated the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), compared to the colitis (AA) group. Additionally, GPE reduced the oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers, including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as caspase-3, a marker for apoptosis. Furthermore, GPE treatment resulted in enhanced activities of the enzymatic antioxidants catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), along with increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These findings were supported by histological evidence. Conclusions: Collectively, GPE holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for UC, owing to its natural bioactive compounds and their potential synergistic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. Full article