Search Results (194)

This review highlights the critical role of chemotaxonomy in the identification, authentication, and discovery of bioactive compounds in medicinal plants. By analyzing secondary metabolites using techniques like UV spectroscopy, FTIR, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, LC-MS-Qtof, and MALDI-TOF MS, chemotaxonomy ensures accurate plant identification, supporting the safe and effective use of plants in herbal medicine. Key secondary metabolites used in chemotaxonomic identification include alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, tannins, and plant peptides. Chemotaxonomy also facilitates the discovery of novel compounds with therapeutic potential, contributing to drug development. The integration of chemotaxonomy with genomics and proteomics allows a deeper understanding of plant biosynthesis and the mechanisms behind bioactive compound production. However, challenges due to variability in metabolite profiles and the lack of standardized methods remain, and future research should focus on developing global databases, improving standardization, and incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance plant identification and bioactive compound discovery. The integration of chemotaxonomy with personalized medicine offers the potential to tailor plant-based therapies to individual genetic profiles, advancing targeted treatments. This review underscores chemotaxonomy’s importance in bridging traditional knowledge and modern science, offering sustainable solutions for medicinal plant use and drug development. Full article

Postharvest fungal diseases are a major cause of fruit spoilage and economic losses, particularly in perishable commodities like strawberries. In this study, a plant-derived Weissella paramesenteroides strain R2 was isolated from the mango fruit surface and evaluated for its antifungal potential. Dual-culture assays revealed the strong inhibitory activity of strain R2 against key postharvest pathogens, including Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Fusarium oxysporum. Notably, cell-free fermentation broth exhibited no antifungal activity, whereas the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by R2 significantly suppressed fungal growth in sealed plate assays. GC-MS analysis identified 84 VOCs, with pyrazines as the dominant group. Three major compounds, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and 2-furanmethanol, were validated for their antifungal activity. The application of R2 VOCs in strawberry preservation significantly reduced disease incidence and severity during storage. These findings highlight W. paramesenteroides R2 as a promising, food-safe biocontrol agent for postharvest disease management via VOC-mediated mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Medicinal plants such as Santolina chamaecyparissus L., an evergreen shrub from the Asteraceae family, have long been valued for their bioactive compounds and traditional therapeutic uses. Materials: In this study, the essential oil of S. chamaecyparissus (EOSC) was isolated via hydrodistillation and then comprehensively evaluated for its phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hemolytic, and cytotoxic properties, as well as its in silico bioactivity. Results: In total, 89.5% of the essential oil composition was successfully identified using GC-MS analysis. Hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes constituted the largest fraction (36.0%), followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (19.7%). Phytochemical screening revealed high phenolic content (839.50 ± 5.0 mg GAE/g E.O), while the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) assay confirmed its strong antioxidant potential. The oil showed moderate hemolytic activity and significant lipoxygenase inhibition, indicating anti-inflammatory capability. The cytotoxic effects of the EOSC were evaluated using the MTT assay and HepG2 liver cancer cells. A dose-dependent reduction in cell viability was observed, confirming the oil’s strong anticancer activity. Molecular docking and ADMET analyses supported the bioactivity of the identified compounds, which showed good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that EOSC has promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting that it could have potential as a safe natural substance for use in drug development and food preservation. Full article

As a natural polymerized material, Chinese lacquer has numerous applications, although its processing is associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will cause a health risk. This paper was mainly focused on the detection of volatiles in the Chinese lacquer and its possible allergy mechanisms based on the properties of the lacquer, such as the main components, chemical properties, and allergy mechanisms of the unit phenols, aldehydes, and ketones and terpenes in the volatiles. Based on the detection technology (such as GC/MS) and allergy mechanism, a variety of prevention and control strategies are proposed, including the use of cyclodextrin–chitosan embedding technology to reduce the antigenicity of lacquer phenols and the directional modification of the active site of laccase to inhibit the generation of quinone toxicity products, as well as the research and development of antioxidant protective equipment for different volatiles, the installation of ventilation and purification devices, and the addition of antioxidants. They are all aimed at providing scientific evidence and practical guidance for the safe use of lacquer, the health protection of the practitioners, and the sustainable development of the related industries. Full article

Background: Cancer and fibrotic diseases represent major global health challenges, underscoring the need for safe, multifunctional natural therapies. Although natural products possess notable anticancer properties, their clinical translation is often hindered by non-selective cytotoxicity toward normal cells. Moreover, their therapeutic potential against chronic conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a natural hydrosol blend, The Greatest Love of Nature (TGLON), in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and mitigating IPF. Methods: TGLON, composed of 12 steam-distilled plant hydrosols, was chemically characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Its cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay against five human cancer cell lines (A-549, HepG2, MCF-7, MKN-45, and MOLT-4) and normal human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5). In vivo safety and therapeutic efficacy were evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats and a bleomycin-induced IPF mouse model, following protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Results: TGLON maintained >90% viability in MRC-5 cells at an 80-fold dilution and significantly inhibited the proliferation of A-549 (41%), HepG2 (84%), MCF-7 (50%), MKN-45 (38%), and MOLT-4 (52%) cells. No signs of toxicity were observed in rats administered TGLON orally at 50% (v/v), 10 mL/kg. In mice, TGLON alleviated bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis. Conclusions: TGLON exhibited selective anticancer and anti-fibrotic activities under non-toxic conditions, supporting its potential as a bioactive agent for early-stage disease prevention and non-clinical health maintenance. Full article

This study aims to develop a simultaneous analytical method for detecting 19 pesticides, including 4,4′-DDD, in fishery products using gas chromatography with micro-electron capture detection (GC-μECD) and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). A new analytical method was developed to measure pesticide residues in fishery products based on the modified Association of Official Analytical Chemists protocol combining quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) and the Pesticide Analytical Manual for extraction and purification. Extraction was performed using acetonitrile containing 0.1% acetic acid, and purification was conducted with Florisil cartridges. The Florisil cartridges were more effective than QuEChERS in removing impurities and pigments during purification and also resulted in a reduced matrix effect. The validation followed Codex guidelines (CAC/GL 40). The limit of detection ranged from 2 to 3 ng/g, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) from 7 to 10 ng/g. Matrix-matched calibration curves exhibited linearity with coefficients of determination exceeding 0.99 for all target analytes. Accuracy was assessed based on recovery rates, while precision was evaluated using relative standard deviations (RSD) at three spiking levels (LOQ, 10×LOQ, and 50×LOQ). The recovery rates ranged from 62.6 to 119.1%, with RSDs of 0.4 to 19.5%, conforming to Codex guidelines. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in biochar, as opposed to those in pyrolysis liquid products that exit the reactor without adhering to the solid product, are particularly undesirable due to their environmental persistence and potential toxicity. When applied as a soil amendment, biochar containing PAHs poses risks to soil ecosystems and human health. Their formation during pyrolysis presents a significant challenge in biochar production, requiring the optimization of pyrolysis process parameters to minimize PAH content for safe soil amendment applications. This study explored the effects of particle size and heating rate on PAH formation during corn cob pyrolysis. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to heat corn cob powder of varying sample masses from ambient temperature to 550 °C at heating rates of 5, 10, and 20 °C/min. Simultaneously, the Chemical Reaction Engineering and Chemical Kinetics (CRECK) model simulated the pyrolysis of spherical corn cob biomass particles with a radius ranging from 1 to 40 mm, using feedstock chemical compositions as inputs. Tar species generated from the solid biomass model were introduced into a gas-phase batch reactor model to evaluate PAH formation. The results demonstrate that the particle size and heating rate significantly affect PAH formation, shedding light on the complex dynamics of biomass pyrolysis. A single spherical particle with a radius close to 1 mm approximates ideal TGA conditions by minimizing temperature and mass transfer limitations. The CRECK model suggested that a particle radius of 5–10 mm, combined with a low heating rate of 5 °C/min, optimally reduces PAH formation. Future research should focus on using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TGA-GC-MS) to comprehensively quantify PAH species formation. Full article

People are paying more and more attention to their physical appearance. One way is the use of cosmetics containing antioxidants that slow down the skin ageing process. The application of photoprotective agents is another factor that protects the skin against ageing. Preparations based on natural raw materials are considered to be more safe. The evaluation of both antioxidant and photoprotective potential seems to be of interest for formulating new cosmetics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and in vitro photoprotective potential of Lavandula angustifolia alcoholic extracts. Two methods, i.e., DPPH and ABTS, based on spectrophotometric analysis were applied to determine antioxidant activity. Additionally, the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of these extracts was determined and a correlation between this parameter and the antioxidant potential of the extracts was also evaluated. The extracts of dry flowers and herbs of lavender were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction. As extractants, four short-chain alcohols, i.e., methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol, in three concentrations were applied to obtain the extracts. To evaluate the stability of the extracts, the determination of antioxidant activity by the DPPH and ABTS methods as well as the SPF value in vitro were performed twice: immediately after the preparation of the extracts and twelve months later. Moreover, the GC-MS analysis of certain extracts was also performed. In extracts made in diluted alcohols, a higher antioxidant potential was observed. A similar observation was made for the in vitro SPF determination. A significant correlation was seen between the antioxidant activity determined by the ABTS method and SPF (for herbs analysed immediately after extract preparation and twelve months later, r = 0.713 and 0.936, respectively, and for flower extracts, r = 0.640 and 0.801, respectively). For the DPPH method, a significant correlation was found only for herb extracts (r = 0.520 and 0.623, respectively). In general, slightly higher antioxidant or photoprotective in vitro potential were observed in later-analysed extracts. However, no significant differences were noted between the antioxidant activity or the photoprotection factor of the extracts determined immediately after their preparation and twelve months later, except for the flower extracts evaluated using the DPPH method (p < 0.0001). A very high correlation was found between the SPF values for both herb and flower extracts evaluated immediately and twelve months later, r = 0.953 and 0.899, respectively. Based on the obtained results, the extracts of Lavandula angustifolia Hidcote Blue variety could be considered as a possible component of anti-ageing cosmetics. Full article

Apple scab is a disease caused by Venturia inaequalis; it alters the vegetative cycle of apple trees and affects the fruits in orchards or during post-harvest storage. Utilizing rotten apples in cidermaking is a promising technique to mitigate crop losses; nonetheless, uncertainties persist regarding the beneficial effects of damaged fruits. This study involves a thorough chemical analysis of cider produced from both healthy and scab-infected fruits to identify compositional changes caused by microbial proliferation and to assess their impact on cider quality. Apples infected by post-harvest apple scab, as opposed to uninfected apples, were employed in cidermaking. The peel microbiota was described by plate count, and next-generation sequencing-based metabarcoding methods were used to describe the peel microbiota, while HPLC and GC MS-MS were used to characterize the cider compositions. Apples infected with post-harvest scab host a specific fungal consortium with higher biodiversity, as evidenced by the Shannon evenness index, especially in the fungi kingdom. The presence of apple scab slows fermentation by up to 23%, lowers ethanol accumulation by up to 0.4%, and affects certain cider constituents: sugars, alcohols, amino acids, fatty acids, and esters. The statistical treatment of data relative to the chemical profile (PLS and PCA on the 31 compounds with VIP > 1) distinguishes ciders made from altered or safe fruits. Scab-infected apples can be valorized in the agri-food industry; however, microbiota alterations must not be underestimated. It is necessary to implement adequate mitigation strategies. Full article

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of basil essential oil (BEO) and identified its key bioactive compounds. Antioxidant activity testing, as determined by DPPH and ABTS assays, returned EC₅₀ values of 115.36 and 54.77 µg/mL, respectively. BEO demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects against Gardnerella vaginalis, Fannyhessea vaginae, Chryseobacterium gleum, and Candida albicans, with inhibition zones of up to 25.88 mm and MIC values ranging from 31 to 500 µg/mL. GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) identified monoterpene, phenylpropene, and sesquiterpene derivatives in BEO. In addition, Fraction 3 (Fr. 3) obtained by preparative HPLC had the highest antimicrobial activity, and methyl trans-cinnamate was identified as the primary active compound in this fraction. BEO had no toxic effect on Lactobacillus crispatus or human dermal fibroblasts. These findings support the traditional use of basil and highlight its potential as a safe, natural therapeutic agent with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Full article

Many monitoring studies have been performed to assess and manage the risk of residues in seafood contaminated with pesticides owing to various environmental factors. Although seaweed and shellfish have higher consumption rates than fish, studies on their pesticide residues are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct residue monitoring and a risk assessment of 51 pesticides in shellfish (littleneck clam and oyster) and seaweed (sea mustard, seaweed fusiforme, laver, and sea tangle) cultivated in four administrative regions of the Republic of Korea. A total of 120 samples (20 samples per species) were collected, and pesticide residues were analyzed using a modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction method, followed by a GC-MS/MS analysis. The monitoring results show that oxadiazon was detected at 8–9 ng/g in only four littleneck clam samples. The estimated daily intake was calculated and compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for risk assessment. The %ADI values ranged from 0.05% to 1.12% for average and extreme consumers across six different scenarios. The results of this study suggest that the detected residual levels of pesticides exert no harmful effects on people over a lifetime of consumption. Full article

We evaluated the efficacy of an innovative technique using an S3+ device equipped with two custom-made nanosensors (e-nose). These sensors are integrated into kitchen appliances, such as planetary mixers, to monitor and assess dough leavening from preparation to the fully risen stage. Since monitoring in domestic appliances is often subjective and non-reproducible, this approach aims to ensure safe, high-quality, and consistent results for consumers. Two sensor chips, each with three metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) elements, were used to assess doughs prepared with flours of varying strengths (W200, W250, W390). Analyses were conducted continuously (from the end of mixing to 1.5 h of leavening) and in two distinct phases: pre-leavening (PRE) and post-leavening (POST). The technique was validated through solid-phase micro-extraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), used to analyze volatile profiles in both phases. The S3+ device clearly discriminated between PRE and POST samples in 3D Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) plots, while 2D LDA confirmed flour-type discrimination during continuous leavening. These findings were supported by SPME-GC-MS results, highlighting differences in the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles. The system achieved 100% classification accuracy between PRE and POST stages and effectively distinguished all flour types. Integrating this e-nose into kitchen equipment offers a concrete opportunity to optimize leavening by identifying the ideal endpoint, improving reproducibility, and reducing waste. In future applications, sensor data could support feedback control systems capable of adjusting fermentation parameters like time and temperature in real time. Full article

Bacterial diseases are a global problem that threatens human health and cause many deaths each year. The alarming rise in bacterial resistance to modern antimicrobials is particularly concerning. In practice, this necessitates increasing the dosage of antimicrobial agents, posing a potential risk of adverse effects on human health. Additionally, the development of antibiotic resistance is one of the main factors contributing to the ever-growing costs of the global healthcare system. For these reasons, natural and safe antimicrobial agents are increasingly sought after. In this study, the antibacterial activity of 31 different essential oils (EOs) was investigated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The most effective EOs were further tested both individually and in dual combinations. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and fractional inhibitory concentrations (FICs) were determined to reveal synergistic effects, suggesting potential practical applications. The main bioactive compounds of the EOs with the highest inhibitory activity were identified and quantified using GC-MS/MS analysis. Of the tested EOs, seven demonstrated a strong antimicrobial effect against E. coli, most notably oregano (MIC 128 µg/mL) and the thyme/oregano combination (MIC 64 µg/mL, FIC 0.75), while thirteen were effective against S. aureus, most notably oregano and garlic (MIC 128 µg/mL),and the pelargonium/garlic combination (MIC 32 µg/mL, FIC 0.375). The pharmaceutical, agricultural, and food industries are promising fields for the application of these safe and natural antimicrobial agents, offering a new range of solutions to combat serious bacterial pathogens. Full article

β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB), a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine, is acknowledged for its powerful role in facilitating muscle protein synthesis, reducing muscle catabolism, and promoting fat-free mass accumulation. With well-documented anticatabolic, anabolic, and lipolytic effects, HMB has been extensively studied in clinical settings and has exhibited potential in mitigating muscle loss induced by aging, cancer cachexia, and sarcopenia. Moreover, HMB finds applications in specialized medical nutrition, sports nutrition, and animal husbandry, with recent research illustrating its benefits in enhancing animal growth and immunity. This review highlights the current understanding of HMB’s physiological mechanisms, its diverse applications, and recent advancements in detection methods such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), and Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS). Additionally, it discusses the future prospects of HMB bio-manufacturing. The establishment of standardized guidelines for its safe use and testing is crucial for its broader adoption in the food industry. Future research should focus on further elucidating HMB’s muscle growth mechanisms and broadening its applications across the food, health, and agricultural sectors. In sum, future studies should prioritize mechanistic exploration, safety and synergy, along with standardization to fully harness HMB’s potential. Full article

Soft rotting caused by Rhizopus stolonifer is one of the most important postharvest decays in Kokei No. 14 organic sweet potato roots. While various methods have been explored for controlling this pathogen, there remains a need for effective, safe, and applicable alternatives, particularly using essential oils (EOs). This study evaluated the efficacy of EOs, specifically carvacrol, thymol, and thyme oil, in controlling Rhizopus soft rot. We conducted both in vitro and in vivo tests to assess their effects on fungal mycelial growth, spore germination, and the incidence and severity of soft rot in sweet potatoes, along with quality evaluations of the roots. The results indicated that the vapor phase of carvacrol, thymol, and thyme oil was more effective than the contact phase in inhibiting fungal growth and spore germination. In vivo tests revealed that all three EOs significantly reduced the incidence and severity of soft rot, with thymol and thyme oil at 300 mg/L, and carvacrol at 500 mg/L being the most effective. Quality assessments showed minimal impact on properties such as firmness, weight loss, color, starch, carotenoids, and flavonoids, although residual odors increased. GC/MS analysis confirmed that thyme oil contained high levels of both thymol and carvacrol, along with other antimicrobial compounds, suggesting that the cumulative activity of these volatile compounds enhanced their bacteriostatic effects. Thyme oil demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing soft rot development compared to its individual components, making it a promising biofumigant for controlling postharvest diseases in Kokei No. 14 organic sweet potato roots. These findings emphasized the potential for using thyme oil as a safe and effective approach to managing postharvest decay. Full article