Search Results (846)

Background/Objectives: Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. (meadowsweet) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. There is also some data indicating its anticancer potential; however, its impact on colorectal cancer cells remains poorly understood. Here we investigated the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of an aqueous F. ulmaria extract on human LoVo colorectal cancer cells and analyzed some of the mechanisms underlying it. Methods: LoVo colorectal cancer cells were treated with the aqueous extract and analyzed for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA damage, lysosomal alterations, apoptosis-related mechanisms, and antioxidant activity. Phytochemical profiling was performed by HPLC-TOF/MS. Results: The extract elevated intracellular ROS levels, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and induced DNA damage in LoVo cells. Activation of crucial caspases, along with increased p53 levels, confirmed engagement of both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Changes in lysosomal fluorescence were also observed, indicating alterations in lysosomal properties. In chemical assays (FRAP, TAC, DPPH, ABTS, and superoxide scavenging), the extract demonstrated robust antioxidant capacity comparable to or exceeding that of ascorbic acid. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC-TOF/MS revealed a rich presence of bioactive flavonoids, phenolic acids, and coumarins. Altogether, our findings indicate that the extract’s cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells arises from a multifaceted mechanism involving oxidative stress, organelle dysfunction, and apoptosis induction. Conclusions: These results highlight F. ulmaria aqueous extract as a promising candidate for colorectal cancer phytotherapy as a form of supportive treatment and warrant further preclinical validation. Full article

Apple processing generates large amounts of pomace, a by-product rich in bioactive compounds. This study characterized an apple pomace extract (APE) obtained via supercritical CO₂ and evaluated its antioxidant, cytotoxic, pro-inflammatory, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Total phenolic (TPC), proanthocyanidin (TPAC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, together with DPPH, ABTS, FRAP assays, were determined in the starting material, exhausted residue and APE to assess extraction efficiency. Subsequently, the volatile and water-soluble fractions of the extract were analysed using GC-MS and HPLC-MS, respectively. Its safety was evaluated through a cytotoxicity assay on Caco-2/TC-7 cells and TNF-α secretion, while antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed following a modified CLSI protocol and Innovotech guidelines, respectively. APE showed higher TPC, TPAC and TFC than both starting material and residue, together with strong antioxidant activity. Characterization revealed a predominance of pentacyclic triterpenes and glycosylated flavonols, while volatiles were dominated by alcohols and aldehydes. APE was cytocompatible up to 72 mg mL⁻¹ and did not induce significant TNF-α release. It inhibited planktonic bacterial growth mainly at 90–180 mg mL⁻¹, whereas biofilm eradication occurred at 45 mg mL⁻¹. These findings support the use of apple pomace as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds for food applications. Full article

In the search for natural compounds with skin-relevant biological activity, the leaves from three species of the Geraniaceae family (Geranium phaeum, Geranium sanguineum, and Geranium macrorrhizum) were investigated. The study combined phytochemical characterisation with a broad evaluation of biological activity. The bioactivity of the tested extracts was assessed using antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC), metal-chelating tests, and inhibition assays of hyaluronidase, elastase, and tyrosinase. In addition, antimicrobial activity was evaluated against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida spp., while cytocompatibility was assessed using HaCaT keratinocytes and HFF-1 fibroblasts. To support the interpretation of the observed biological effects, qualitative phytochemical profiling of the extracts was performed by LC–MS; selected compounds were quantified by HPLC; and total polyphenol and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) were determined. Overall, the extracts exhibited notable antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme-inhibitory activities, while maintaining good cytocompatibility at lower concentrations. Among the tested species, G. sanguineum and G. macrorrhizum showed the most pronounced overall activity, likely associated with their high polyphenol content. These results indicate that selected Geraniaceae species represent promising sources of bioactive compounds with combined antioxidant, antimicrobial, and skin-compatible properties, supporting their further investigation in skin-relevant in vitro and formulation-oriented studies. Full article

This study evaluated a new co-valorization strategy using apple pomace and a nitrogen-rich yeast lees extract to correct low concentrations of amino acids and phenolic compounds that can impair fermentation kinetics, aroma formation, and antioxidant activity, thereby improve cider quality and support the principles of the circular economy. Apple must (Gala) was supplemented with nitrogen extract (80 mg/L), dehydrated apple pomace (47.3 g/L), or both, and fermented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fermentation kinetics, physicochemical parameters, individual phenolic profile (HPLC), antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC), color (CIELAB), and sensory attributes were assessed. Nitrogen supplementation accelerated fermentation, increasing the maximum rate from 9 to 16 g CO₂/L/day when combined with apple pomace. While nitrogen extract alone reduced phenolic levels, its combination with pomace resulted in a balanced phenolic profile and superior fruity aroma. Apple pomace addition increased titratable acidity (1.6 times) and ethanol content (>1% v/v) and enhanced total phenolics (up to 20%) and antioxidant activity (up to 46% by FRAP). Sensory analysis indicated that the combined treatment achieved the highest overall acceptance. The integrated use of apple pomace and yeast lees extract represents a sustainable new strategy to enhance cider bioactivity, fermentation performance, and sensory quality while valorizing agro-industrial residues. Full article

Matcha tea (Camellia sinensis) contains high levels of catechins but has a near-neutral pH (6.2–6.3), which limits the stability of its bioactive compounds. Blending matcha with acidic berries may enhance phenolic stabilization, antioxidant capacity, and sensory properties. This study evaluated pure matcha (MT) and a matcha beverage blended with 7.5% strawberry and 7.5% blackberry powder (Mix), extracted at 5 °C, 70 °C, and 100 °C. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale (n = 50) identified 15% berry substitution (Mix) as optimal, with overall acceptability scores ranging from 8.28 to 8.32 across all extraction temperatures. Sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale (n = 50) identified 15% berry substitution (Mix) as optimal. Total phenolics (Folin–Ciocalteu), flavonoids (AlCl₃), anthocyanins (pH differential), vitamin C (HPLC), and individual phenolic compounds were analyzed. Antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS) and anti-inflammatory activity (egg albumin denaturation) were assessed, and color parameters (L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue, browning index, ΔE) were measured. Results and Discussion: The Mix exhibited significantly higher total phenolics (24.4% increase at 100 °C) and flavonoids (31.6% increase at 100 °C) compared to MT. Anthocyanins, absent in MT, reached 52.35 mg/100 g at 5 °C, and vitamin C content was 2.6-fold higher than MT under cold extraction. HPLC profiling showed increased levels of gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, and rutin in the Mix. The Mix demonstrated superior antioxidant activity with DPPH inhibition of 84.08% at 100 °C (IC₅₀ = 165.0 µg/mL) and ABTS inhibition of 83.67% at 100 °C (IC₅₀ = 105.1 µg/mL). Anti-inflammatory activity was highest at 70 °C (IC₅₀ = 72.2 µg/mL), representing a 3.5-fold improvement over MT. Color parameters were similar to MT at 5 °C and 70 °C but darkened at 100 °C. The acidic pH (~3.7) of the Mix remained stable, contributing to catechin stabilization. Conclusion: The 15% strawberry-blackberry matcha blend shows potential as a functionally enhanced beverage with improved phenolic content, vitamin C, anthocyanins, and bioactivities. Temperature selection allows customization: 100 °C for maximal antioxidant activity, 70 °C for anti-inflammatory benefits, and 5 °C for nutrient preservation and vibrant color. Full article

Natural therapeutic alternatives are increasingly explored in endometriosis, a highly prevalent gynecological disorder with limited therapeutic options. Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) has attracted increasing scientific interest due to its biological activity. This study aimed to characterize a hydroethanolic rosemary extract (RE) and evaluate its effects on key cellular processes involved in endometriosis pathophysiology. Major phenolic compounds in RE were quantified by RP-HPLC, and antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. After RE treatment, cell viability (WST-1), migration (wound healing assay), cell cycle distribution (DAPI staining), apoptosis (Annexin V/PI), p21 and cyclin A expression (Western blot), and intracellular ROS levels (DCFH-DA) were evaluated in endometrial stromal (t-HESC, St-T1b) and endometriotic epithelial (12-Z) cells. Phytochemical analysis revealed rosmarinic acid (RA) at 4.2%, while carnosic acid (CA) and carnosol (CS) together accounted for 23.7% of the extract. RE reduced cell viability and cell migration in 12-Z and t-HESC cells (p < 0.05). S-phase accumulation with a concomitant reduction in the G1 phase was observed across all evaluated cell lines (p < 0.05), along with increased p21 and cyclin A expression in stromal cells (p < 0.05). RE induced cell death in both 12-Z (p < 0.05) and St-T1b cells (p < 0.0001). In t-HESC cells, RE reduced both basal and H₂O₂-induced ROS levels (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that RE modulates key mechanisms involved in endometriosis pathophysiology, supporting its multi-target therapeutic potential as a nutraceutical approach for endometriosis management. Full article

To characterize intraspecific variation in phenolic acid composition and in vitro antioxidant capacity, color parameters, total phenolic contents (TPC), hydrolyzable phenolic acid profiles, and DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacities were systematically determined in the flesh of 33 Cucurbita pepo accessions. All accessions exhibited bright yellow flesh, with significant variation in red-green value (a). TPC and antioxidant capacity differed markedly among accessions and generally followed right-skewed distributions, indicating that a limited number of accessions accumulated high levels of phenolics and antioxidant activity. Eight phenolic acids were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with p-hydroxybenzoic acid (8.97–341.98 μg/g), p-coumaric acid (2.42–761.88 μg/g), and ferulic acid identified as the major compounds. Ferulic acid and caffeic acid showed strong positive associations with both DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacities. Hierarchical clustering separated the accessions into two major groups, with Group 2 exhibiting higher TPC (208.89–657.69 µg GAE/g), total phenolic acid content (109.92–890.85 µg/g), and ABTS antioxidant capacity than Group 1. The high-antioxidant accessions may serve as promising candidates for antioxidant-enriched C. pepo products and quality-oriented breeding. Full article

The main objective of this study was to generate protein-polyphenol microparticles on the basis of pea and rice proteins in combination with pomegranate juice. Protein microparticles were prepared as a freeze-dried powder and evaluated for total polyphenols and proanthocyanidins using spectrophotometric methods, and for individual polyphenols using the HPLC method. In addition, they were assessed for antioxidant activity, and IR spectra were recorded to establish structural changes in proteins upon adsorption of pomegranate polyphenols. The potential of the formulated microparticles to inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation (SW1116 and Colo205) was also investigated and compared with pomegranate juice. The adsorption capacity of total polyphenols for both protein matrices were 47%. All compounds had a higher affinity for the pea protein matrix except gallic acid. The highest affinity for proteins had punicalagin, with 88% and 80% for pea and rice proteins, respectively. The microparticles demonstrated antioxidant potential using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods. Both pomegranate juice and protein microparticles exhibited high antioxidant potential and inhibitory effects on both types of colon cancer cells. Screening of IR spectra of protein microparticles revealed the adsorption of pomegranate polyphenols through changes in protein structures, particularly in regions characteristic of proteins. Full article

Geisha coffee (Coffea arabica L. cv. Geisha) is internationally recognized for its exceptional sensory quality; however, its functional properties and bioactive composition remain insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, antioxidant capacity, vascular bioactivity, and toxicological safety of an aqueous extract of roasted Geisha coffee (AErGC) from the Chiriquí highlands, Panama. The chemical composition was determined using HPLC-PDA. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and lipid peroxidation assays. Vascular effects were studied in rat aortic rings, and safety was evaluated through Artemia salina and a single-dose acute oral toxicity model in rats (OECD 423). Chemical characterization was performed by HPLC-PDA, revealing notably elevated levels of caffeine (69.5 ± 6.4 mg/g) and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (74.5 ± 6.9 mg/g). The extract exhibited strong free radical scavenging capacity, with an IC₅₀ value of 14.7 ± 4.9 µg/mL in the DPPH assay, and inhibited lipid peroxidation by 72.71 ± 1.63% at 15.6 µg/mL. In endothelium-intact rings, AErGC induced a concentration-dependent vasorelaxant effect, reaching a maximum relaxation of 70.84 ± 2.9%. Toxicological results showed an LC₅₀ > 1000 µg/mL in A. salina and an oral LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg, classifying the extract as Category 5 (low toxicity). These findings highlight Panamanian Geisha coffee as a promising functional beverage with antioxidant and vascular protective properties, supporting its potential as a nutraceutical. Full article

Lemon processing by-products are rich in flavonoids, limonoids, and phenolic acids, but their direct utilization is limited by glycoside-dominant flavonoid profiles, bitterness-associated limonoids, and insufficiently defined valorization strategies. This study compared eight food-relevant microorganisms, including lactic acid bacteria, Bacillus, yeast, and filamentous fungi, using a common aerobic submerged fermentation framework for lemon by-products. Rather than evaluating fermentation as a single uniform process, the study aimed to determine whether different microbial groups could redirect the same substrate toward distinct functional remodeling profiles. Targeted HPLC analysis of flavonoids, limonoids, and phenolic acids, together with DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging assays, revealed clear strain-dependent differences in metabolite remodeling and antioxidant outcomes. L. plantarum showed the most consistent antioxidant enhancement profile, characterized by increased hesperetin and phenolic acid responses together with low DPPH and ABTS IC₅₀ values. L. pentosus promoted flavonoid remodeling but showed a more timing-sensitive antioxidant response. S. cerevisiae tended to preserve glycosylated flavonoids and showed a release-oriented phenolic acid profile with strong early ABTS activity. R. stolonifer exhibited the most pronounced limonoid remodeling, including marked limonin reduction and obacunone accumulation, suggesting potential relevance for bitterness-oriented applications. These findings demonstrate that different microorganisms can be functionally classified according to their dominant remodeling tendencies, including antioxidant enhancement, flavonoid conversion, glycosylated flavonoid preservation, phenolic acid release, and limonoid-associated debittering. This functional classification provides a practical basis for selecting microorganisms according to the intended application of lemon by-product valorization. Full article

Aloysia triphylla (lemon verbena, LV) herbal tea is a rich source of phenolic compounds with recognized antioxidant and antiglycoxidant properties, although their stability during digestion remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the impact of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the phenolic composition and bioactivity of LV infusion using a standardized in vitro model. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and phenolic acid contents were determined spectrophotometrically, while individual compounds were analyzed by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was assessed using complementary assays (DPPH•, ABTS•, FRAP, ORAC, and nitric oxide scavenging), and antiglycation activity was evaluated using a BSA/D-ribose model. Digestion did not significantly affect total phenolic and phenolic acid contents, whereas flavonoids moderately decreased during the intestinal phase. Verbascoside underwent partial degradation, leading to increased levels of isoverbascoside and caffeic acid. Despite these transformations, antioxidant capacity was maintained or enhanced, particularly in ABTS and ORAC assays, suggesting a contribution of digestion-derived metabolites. Antiglycation activity remained stable after digestion. Pre-column HPLC analyses identified verbascoside and its derivatives as the main contributors to radical scavenging and methylglyoxal trapping activities. These findings indicate that LV infusion retains its bioactive potential after digestion and supports its relevance as a functional beverage. Full article

Natural food pigments such as curcumin and β-carotene are valued for their coloring properties and health-promoting bioactivities, including antioxidant and anticancer effects. However, both compounds are susceptible to light-induced degradation, which can compromise their stability and functional integrity. This study investigated changes in the photostability and bioactivity of curcumin and β-carotene under fluorescent light irradiation, focusing on their interactions with the porphyrin photosensitizers zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) and protoporphyrin IX (PPIX). Spectral and HPLC analyses revealed significant pigment degradation, with β-carotene exhibiting greater instability than curcumin. ZnPP and PPIX accelerated the bleaching of both pigments in a concentration-dependent manner, with ZnPP consistently showing stronger destabilizing effects. Functional assays further demonstrated that the antioxidant activity of curcumin was altered by light exposure. Co-irradiation with ZnPP or PPIX significantly reduced the scavenging activity of curcumin against DPPH, ABTS, and AAPH radicals. In HCT-116 colon cancer cells, irradiation alone slightly enhanced the cytotoxic activity of curcumin, whereas co-irradiation with ZnPP or PPIX significantly attenuated this effect. These findings indicate that porphyrin photosensitizers accelerate pigment degradation and impair functional properties under light exposure, highlighting the importance of pigment–photosensitizer interactions during food storage and processing. Full article

This study is the first to demonstrate fluctuations in major phenolics and biofunctional properties under various extraction conditions of Korean winter spinach (Allseason cultivar) leaves. In contrast to earlier reports on summer- or greenhouse-cultivated spinach, which mainly relied on HPLC-DAD or LC-MS profiling and one or two bioactivity assays, the present work combines UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS with NMR-based structural confirmation of three major flavone glucuronides (11–13) and integrates five complementary bioactivity assays (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, DNA protection, and tyrosinase inhibition) within a single optimization framework. A 50% methanol extract yielded twelve phenolics (patuletin, spinacetin, spinatoside, jaceidin, and methylenedioxyflavone-glucuronide derivatives) elucidated by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, with the isolated major phenolics 11–13 further verified by NMR. Total phenols and total flavonoids of biofunctional characteristics varied significantly depending on the solvent system. The optimal extraction conditions (50% methanol, 72 h, 35 °C) resulted in the highest phenolic levels of phenolics 11–13 (total: ~6.5 mg/g) and bioactivities (DNA protection > ABTS > tyrosinase inhibition > FRAP > DPPH, at 500 μg/mL). PCA and hierarchical clustering distinguished extraction profiles, with 50–70% methanol extracts forming clear clusters. Among the isolated phenolics, phenolic 12 showed the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 57.6 μM; ABTS IC₅₀ = 21.9 μM). These findings suggest that spinach leaves are a valuable source of bioactive phenolics for nutraceutical applications under optimized extraction conditions. Full article

Medical-grade honeys (MGHs) are clinically applied therapeutic agents for wound management; however, their bioactive constituent profiles and biological performance in complex wound environments remain incompletely characterized. This study evaluated the wound-healing potential, antibacterial efficacy, and transdermal penetration capacity of three commercially available MGHs: manuka (MH), chestnut (ChH), and multifloral honey (MFH). MGHs were characterized for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS), total phenolic content (TPC), and phytochemical composition by HPLC and GC-MS. Wound healing activity was assessed using a scratch assay, transdermal penetration of phenolic acids through porcine skin using Franz diffusion cells, and antibacterial efficacy by MIC assay with and without artificial wound fluid exudate. H₂O₂ production was quantified after 24-h incubation. All MGHs demonstrated strong antioxidant activity and high TPC, with MH and ChH showing the highest values. MH exhibited the greatest polyphenol diversity, with gallic acid predominating (101.09 µg/g), and superior transdermal penetration attributable to elevated fatty acid content. Hydrophilic phenolic acids demonstrated rapid skin penetration within 3–5 h. Wound closure capacity in the scratch assay was honey type-dependent, with ChH showing the most favorable fibroblast migratory response. ChH also exhibited the highest antibacterial activity and H₂O₂ generation in wound fluid exudate. MGHs exhibit distinct, botanical origin-dependent biological activities, providing a rational framework for evidence-based MGH selection in clinical wound management. Full article

Cranberry pomace is a rich, but underutilized source of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. This study assessed the efficacy of six solvent mixtures comprising combinations of ethanol, methanol, acetone, formic acid, and water for extraction of antioxidants from pomace. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of the cranberry pomace extracts were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS•⁺(2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid), FRAP (ferric reducing power), and Folin–Ciocâlteu assays, the total proanthocyanidin content was estimated using the dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde (DMAC) method, and individual polyphenolics and triterpenoids were determined using HPLC-DAD and UPLC-MS. Extracts exhibited a broad range of total phenolic content at 21–166 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract), total PACs (proanthocyanidins) at 6–240 mg PAC equivalents/g extract, anthocyanins at 0.42–1.77 mg/g extract, flavonols at 4.09–11.7 mg/g extract, and triterpenoids at 85.6–287 mg/g extract. Antioxidant activities varied widely and correlated positively with all polyphenol categories, but negatively with triterpenoids. An extract produced using an acetone, methanol, water and formic acid mixture demonstrated optimal antioxidant properties, total phenolic content, and total proanthocyanidin content and was further characterized. Our findings emphasize the importance of solvent selection for targeted bioactive constituents and highlight cranberry pomace as a promising source of antioxidants. Full article