Search Results (146)

The increasing demand for functional products has promoted research on bioactive compounds. Dandelion root polysaccharide (DRP), a key bioactive component of Taraxacum officinale, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. This study extracted DRP via microwave-assisted enzymatic extraction (MAEE) to obtain mDRP, and isolated acidic polysaccharide mDRP-1 (7.548 kDa) by column chromatography. HPLC showed that both contain six monosaccharides (Man, Rha, GalA, Glu, Gal, Ara) with different molar ratios. mDRP is heterogeneous (trace protein/nucleic acids, no triple helix, amorphous), while mDRP-1 has a triple-helical, semi-crystalline structure; both have characteristic polysaccharide peaks and pyranose rings, and rough, porous surfaces. mDRP had better thermal stability and significant concentration-dependent in vitro antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effects. Full article

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic Zoovit LL—alone or in combination with a phytogenic blend—on bone morphometry and mineral concentrations in broilers by computed tomography (CT) and ICP-MS analysis. A total of 180 one-day-old male ROSS 308 chicks were randomly assigned to three groups with three replicates of 20 chicks each: control (standard diet), Zoovit LL (0.25%) and Zoovit LL (0.25%) in combination with Silybum marianum, Urtica dioica and Taraxacum officinale in a total amount of 1%. After 42 days, two birds were averaged within each replicate, resulting in three independent experimental units per treatment (n = 3 per group). Femurs were examined by CT for bone length, cortical bone thickness, diameters and radiodensity, while determination of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in the sternum was performed by ICP-MS. No statistically significant effects of the nutritional supplements were found on the bone parameters assessed by computed tomography or on the mineral concentrations in the sternum. The results show that under the conditions of the present study, the addition of the probiotic alone or in combination with the phytogenic mixture did not lead to statistically significant changes in the specific parameters studied. Full article

Although the acute phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has subsided, the continued emergence of viral variants underscores the need for structurally diverse antiviral inhibitors. In this study, molecular docking followed by molecular dynamics (300 ns) simulations and binding free energy calculations using the Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM-PBSA) method were employed to evaluate substituted flavonoids derived from Taraxacum officinale and Urtica dioica as potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro/3CLpro). Docking analysis identified several derivatives with favorable binding scores; however, dynamic refinement revealed differential stability among the ligand–protein complexes. Among the evaluated compounds, the luteolin derivative LND-17 showed the most consistent performance, exhibiting binding free energy estimates approaching those obtained for the reference inhibitors nirmatrelvir and ensitrelvir, sustained catalytic pocket occupancy, and energetic contributions involving the catalytic dyad (His41 and Cys145). Additional derivatives, including LNG-04, QND-07, and QNG-20, showed moderate stabilization but lower overall consistency. These findings highlight glycosylated flavonoids as promising scaffolds for future structure-based optimization and provide structural insights to guide experimental validation. Full article

The therapeutic use of Taraxacum officinale L. remains a challenge due to its chemical profile shifting dramatically, markedly with seasonal variation and processing techniques. To address this, the paper evaluated how the plant organ, harvest season, and extraction technique as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and solid–liquid extraction in a Soxhlet system (both using hydroalcoholic solvent concentrations of 70:30 (v/v) ethanol) and conventional cold maceration, at solvent concentration 50:50 (v/v) ethanol, respectively 70:30 (v/v) ethanol, could have impact both metabolite yield and biological activity. The findings show that a single, uniform extraction protocol is inefficient; instead, the data support a dual-harvest approach of vegetal product. Autumn harvests are ideal for extracting tannins and anthocyanins, while spring harvests maximize flavonoids, ascorbic acid, and carotenoids. In terms of methodology, UAE, with 70:30 (v/v) ethanol, consistently outperforms other approaches because it prevents thermal degradation of Soxhlet extraction and improves the recovery of intermediate-polarity compounds. As a result, UAE extracts showed the strongest antimicrobial action, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, and notable effectiveness against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, brine shrimp lethality screening confirmed the safety of all extracts (LC₅₀ > 1000 µg/mL). Notably, the root extracts induced a specific, non-lethal delay in larval development, likely tied to their unique bitter principles. This research provides a practical framework for tailoring harvest and extraction parameters to target specific compounds for clinical and nutraceutical use. Full article

Polyphenolic compounds extracted from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) were used as natural chelating ligands to synthesize copper–polyphenol complexes, which were subsequently immobilized on sericite to obtain hybrid organic–inorganic materials. The complexes were prepared under controlled pH and temperature conditions, yielding structures with different Cu–polyphenol ratios. Structural characterization confirmed the formation of Cu(II)–polyphenol chelates, partial reduction to Cu(I) species at higher pH values, and the deposition of mixed Cu₂O/CuO phases on the layered sericite substrate. Copper–polyphenol superstructures, copper nanoparticles, and copper oxide crystallites were heterogeneously distributed depending on synthesis conditions and metal–ligand ratios. The hybrid materials exhibited modified optical properties, combining the intrinsic reflectance of sericite with UV absorption from polyphenols and copper species. When incorporated into an emulsion matrix, the materials showed promising UV-screening performance, with SPF-equivalent values ranging from 7 to 33 depending on concentration. Antimicrobial evaluation demonstrated that copper–polyphenol complexes displayed enhanced activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans compared to the natural extract, while sericite-supported hybrids retained selective efficacy, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans. These results indicate the potential of dandelion-derived copper complexes and their sericite hybrids as multifunctional bioactive agents for cosmetic dermatology applications. Full article

Melissopalynological analysis is essential for determining the botanical origin of honey, corbicular pollen and bee bread, as well as detecting adulteration. However, it traditionally relies on labor-intensive and subjective manual pollen identification. As a proof-of-concept preceding full honey analysis, this study evaluates artificial intelligence methods for automated pollen grain recognition under controlled conditions. Hazel (Corylus avellana L.) and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg.) were used as model taxa to validate the proposed approach before its application to real varietal honey samples. This study introduces a novel three-stage pipeline that decouples object detection from feature extraction, utilizing YOLOv12m for region-of-interest generation and, for the first time in melissopalynology, DINOv3 ConvNeXt-B for deep feature representation. Microscopic images acquired at 400× magnification yielded 2498 dandelion and 1941 hazel pollen grains. The detector achieved an mAP@0.5 of 0.936 with an F1 score of 0.88, while the classifier reached 98.1% accuracy with good class separability (Silhouette coefficient: 0.407). The primary technical contribution is the systematic optimization of the detection-to-classification interface. Context-aware bounding box expansion (12%) and an optimized IoU-NMS threshold (0.65) significantly improve the stability of morphological feature extraction, as confirmed by ablation studies. Computational cost reporting further supports reproducible, deployment-oriented comparison. The results confirm the feasibility of this AI-based framework as an intermediate step toward automated melissopalynological analysis, with future work focusing on standardized microscopy protocols and expanded pollen databases for varietal honey authentication. Full article

Weed identification and quantification are processes that are usually manual, subjective, and error-prone. Weeds compete with crops for nutrients, minerals, physical space, sunlight, and water. Thus, weed identification is a crucial component of precision agriculture for autonomous removal and site-specific treatments, efficient weed control, and sustainability. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are very common in weed identification. This work implemented CNN models for semantic segmentation based on the U-Net architecture for automatically segmenting and quantifying weeds in potato crops using RGB images acquired by a drone at 9–10 m height, flying at 1 m/s. Remote sensing images are affected by factors that degrade image quality and the model’s accuracy. Five U-Net variants were evaluated: the original U-Net, Residual U-Net, Double U-Net, Modified U-Net, and AU-Net. The models were trained using the TensorFlow/Keras frameworks on Google Colab Pro+, following the Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD) methodology for image analysis. Each model was trained using a diverse custom dataset in uncontrolled environments, considering six classes: background, Broadleaf dock (Rumex obtusifolius), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinum), other weed species, and the crop potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The models’ segmentation was widely assessed using Mean Dice Coefficient, Mean IoU, and Dice Loss metrics. The results showed that the Residual U-Net model performed the best in multi-class segmentation, achieving a Mean IoU of 0.8021, a performance comparable to or superior to that reported by other authors. Additionally, a Student’s t-test was applied to complement the data analysis, suggesting that the model is reliable for weed quantification. Full article

This study examines 36 wild Asteraceae species that are traditionally used as food in Sicily and Bulgaria, highlighting their ethnobotanical, nutritional, and pharmacological relevance. Some taxa, such as Cichorium intybus, Silybum marianum, Artemisia vulgaris, Taraxacum officinale, and Tussilago farfara, are integral to the Mediterranean and Balkan diets, enhancing nutrition through their fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds. This ethnobotanical survey revealed a clear geographic pattern in species usage: 13 species were found to be consumed solely in Bulgaria, 18 solely in Sicily, and five species in both regions. The distribution highlights the existence of shared culinary traditions that have been distinctly adapted to the unique ecological conditions present in each locale. The main metabolite classes identified include flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, and sesquiterpene lactones, all of which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and anticancer properties. Specific taxa within the investigated group were found to contain alkaloids that warrant toxicological attention. Some species within the studied group contain alkaloids that may pose toxicity risks. T. farfara is known to accumulate pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are associated with liver damage and potential genotoxic effects, highlighting the importance of thorough toxicological evaluations before recommending these plants for consumption. This study also demonstrates how common culinary processes, such as boiling and blanching, significantly impact the concentration, stability, and safety profile of these bioactive compounds. Overall, the research supports the promotion of wild Asteraceae species as valuable and sustainable nutritional and nutraceutical resources. This approach aligns with efforts to preserve biodiversity and maintain traditional Mediterranean and Balkan food practices, integrating both ecological and cultural sustainability. Full article

Dandelion flowers are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with well-documented health-promoting properties. However, their high water content and delicate tissue structure make them highly perishable; therefore, appropriate preservation methods are essential to maintain their biological activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of convective drying and freeze drying, as well as drying temperature, on the drying kinetics and grinding behavior of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H. Wigg.) flowers and on the color and antioxidant properties of the resulting dried material. Convective hot-air drying was several times faster than freeze drying, and drying temperature significantly affected both the duration of the process and the properties of the dried flowers. Moreover, freeze-dried samples exhibited greater grindability and higher antioxidant activity than convectively dried flowers. In addition, powder obtained from freeze-dried dandelion flowers was lighter in color and exhibited lower redness and higher yellowness compared with samples obtained by hot-air drying. Both color coordinates and particle size after grinding were correlated with the antioxidant activity of the dried material. Full article

Taraxacum is a genus of flowering plants comprising species commonly known as dandelions. All parts of the dandelion (flowers, stems, roots, and leaves) contain valuable bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, amino, fatty, organic, and phenolic acids, coumarins, lignans, polysaccharides, phytosterols, terpenes, glycoproteins, oligosaccharides, and alkaloids. Dandelion extracts represent a promising feedstock for diverse applications across the food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries. The extraction of bioactive compounds from dandelion is essential to access its therapeutic properties, with different techniques used to isolate its various phytochemicals. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the application of various techniques for the extraction of bioactive compounds from dandelion. Both conventional and innovative extraction techniques are discussed, with particular emphasis on their respective advantages and limitations. Full article

Knowledge related to the use of plants and mushrooms in the Baranja region of Croatia was documented through semi-structured interviews of 105 informants in 12 villages. We found 117 plant species and 7 mushrooms with medicinal uses. Rosaceae, Lamiaceae, and Asteraceae were the families with the most species, while Sambucus nigra, Chamomilla recutita, and Taraxacum officinale were the most frequently mentioned species. Leaves, fruits, and flowers were the most commonly used plant parts, predominantly prepared as infusions, syrups, and tinctures. Plants were mainly used to treat digestive and respiratory ailments, with the highest informant consensus recorded for ear, eye, and respiratory disorders. The results emphasize the persistence of rich ethnobotanical knowledge in the study area and highlight the importance of preserving this cultural and biological heritage for future generations. Full article

The agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity of 12 plant species against Agrobacterium tumefaciens, the bacterium that is responsible for crown gall disease. Leaf, root, or flower extracts were prepared, but not all parts were used for each of the 12 plants listed. Plant extracts from leaves exhibited higher antibacterial activity than those from flowers and roots. Furthermore, the type of solvent had a significant influence on both the antibacterial activity and the flavonoid and polyphenol content. Acetone and alcohol extracts contained higher contents of these compounds than water extracts. The strongest bacteriostatic effect was of the leaf extracts of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus nicholii L.) and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum L.). Based on HPTLC analysis, eucalyptus extracts contained, among others, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and quercetin, while St. John’s wort extracts contained rutin, hyperoside, and quercetin. The tansy leaf extracts (Tanacetum vulgare L.) were also rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as kaempferol-3-glucoside, luteolin, chlorogenic acid, cynarine, and rutin. However, a moderate inhibitory effect against the tested bacterium was found in tansy extracts, as well as hop (Humulus lupulus L.), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), and nettle (Urtica dioica L.) extracts. The least effective were the root extracts of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wiggers coll.) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.), as well as the flower extracts of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). Given the lack of effective chemical products and the unavailability of commercially resistant cultivars, the use of plant-based extracts for protecting against crown gall appears to be of particular interest. The preliminary results are promising and suggest that eucalyptus and St. John’s wort extracts are the most promising for controlling A. tumefaciens. Full article

This study aimed to develop a sustainable approach for isolating bioactive lipophilic components from Taraxacum officinale flowers using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO₂) and to assess the effect of adding 5% ethanol (EtOH) as a co-solvent on extraction yield, in vitro antioxidant capacity in CUPRAC and ABTS assays (TEAC_CUPRAC and TEAC_ABTS), total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) content, β-carotene concentration, and photoprotective potential, expressed as the sun protection factor (SPF). SFE-CO₂ at 35 MPa and 40 °C resulted in 50% of the total yield within 15 min, with equilibrium reached after 120 min (final yield of 4.6 g/100 g flowers). Co-solvent addition increased yield by ~50% and shortened extraction time. The EtOH-modified extract exhibited markedly higher antioxidant activity, with a 2-fold increase in TEAC_CUPRAC (167 mg TE/g E), an 11-fold increase in TEAC_ABTS (194 mg TE/g E), and a 3-fold increase in TPC (91 mg GAE/g E), along with improved recovery of flavonoids and β-carotene. Volatile profiling revealed monoterpenoids, aldehydes, and esters as dominant groups, with carvone (14.0–16.5%) and dill ether (4.2–5.8%) as major contributors to aroma. The SFE-CO₂ + 5% EtOH extract achieved the highest SPF value (49.5 at 1 mg/mL; SPF > 6 at >0.1 mg/mL), indicating strong photoprotective potential and potential suitability for natural antioxidant and cosmetic applications. Full article

(1) Background: Plantago major and Taraxacum officinale exhibit high tolerance to soil pollution and are recognised as bioindicators of soil quality. The objectives of the study were to investigate (i) the physicochemical and microbiological properties of rhizosphere soil beneath P. major and T. officinale in different land uses, (ii) the accumulation of elements, phenolic and organic acids in soil as well as in the plants, and (iii) the relationships between these parameters. (2) Methods: Samples were collected from three locations: the sediment retention area, the post-mining area, and the recreational area in May and September. (3) Results: Significant seasonal differences were observed in soil parameters, enzymatic activity, microbial abundance, and the contents of elements, organic acids, and phenolic acids between plant species and sampling areas, with changes reaching several hundred per cent. Correlations were found between dehydrogenase and organic matter, S, Al, Co, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P; and phosphatases and Al, Co, Cr, Fe, Mg, Ni, and Mn; as well as between total phenolic content and phosphatases; syringic acid and dehydrogenase; and alkaline phosphatase and lactic and citric acids. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that plant–soil interactions, in relation to land use, influence rhizosphere biochemistry, thereby impacting soil health and supporting ecosystem recovery. Full article

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders associated with increased gastric acid secretion, such as gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, bloating, and abdominal pain, significantly impair quality of life and present a substantial healthcare burden. Conventional therapies may have limited efficacy or undesirable side effects, underscoring the need for safe complementary approaches. This study systematically identifies and reviews the medicinal plants used in food supplements (FSs) marketed in Latvia for digestive health, focusing on the conditions linked to excess gastric acid. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted to identify European plant species with proven protective effects on the digestive system or the ability to influence gastric acid levels. A market analysis was performed using the Latvian Food and Veterinary Service FS Register. Results: A total of 218 FS-containing medicinal plants were identified, of which 15 species were included in at least ten products. The most frequently used plants were peppermint (Mentha piperita), artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), psyllium (Plantago ovata), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), caraway (Carum carvi), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and chicory (Cichorium intybus). Label claims most often referred to supporting digestion, relieving bloating, and maintaining normal GI function. However, the majority of claims lacked robust clinical substantiation, and were based primarily on traditional use. Discrepancies between product information and available scientific evidence highlight regulatory and consumer protection challenges. Conclusions: This work contributes to the critical evaluation of plant-based FSs for digestive health, emphasizing the need for standardized preparations, harmonized health claim assessment, and further clinical research to establish efficacy and safety. Full article