Search Results (340)

The growing emphasis on sustainability and circular economy strategies has driven increasing interest in the valorization of agro-industrial by-products. Among these, the peel and seed of avocado (Persea americana), typically discarded during processing, have emerged as promising sources of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic constituents with recognized antioxidant capacity. This review critically examines the current scientific literature on the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and potential health benefits associated with avocado peel and seed. In addition, it explores recent technological advances in extraction methods and highlights the applicability of these by-products in the formulation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and other health-related products. Challenges related to safety, bioavailability, and regulatory aspects are also discussed. By consolidating available evidence, this work supports the potential of avocado peel and seed as valuable functional ingredients and contributes to sustainable innovation in the food and health industries. Full article

Isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are derivatives of glucosinolates (GSLs) from Brassica plants, have been investigated as anticancer agents. An extensively studied anticancer ITC is sulforaphane, which is found in low amounts in Chinese cabbage. We aim to investigate the types and content of GSLs (precursors of ITCs with anticancer activity) in Chinese cabbage seeds. GSLs from Chinese cabbage seeds were isolated and purified using acidic Al₂O₃ column chromatography and preparative HPLC. GSL and ITC profiles were further identified using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The antitumor activities of ITC (produced by exogenous enzymatic hydrolysis of GSLs) were evaluated in vitro. Seventeen GSLs and seven ITCs were identified, and the dominant GSLs were gluconapin, glucobrassicanapin, and progoitrin in Chinese cabbage seeds. High-purity gluconapin (>99%) was purified. The ITCs showed synergistic-, dose-, and time-dependent effects on the inhibition of HepG2 cells, and the key ITCs were 3-butenyl ITC, sulforaphane, and 2-phenylethyl ITC. The corresponding parent GSLs were gluconapin, glucoraphanin, and gluconasturtiin, respectively. 3-Butenyl ITC could significantly induce HepG2 cell proliferation (IC50 = 89.44 μg/mL) and apoptosis (p < 0.05). Our results suggested that Chinese cabbage seed could be a valuable source of natural antitumor ingredients. Full article

Sebum secreted by sebaceous glands mixes with sweat to form a protective film that aids in maintaining skin health. Reduced sebum production compromises such barrier functions, potentially leading to severe itchiness and inflammation. Therefore, incorporating moisturizers with ingredients promoting sebum secretion is desirable. Wild watermelon possesses moisturizing and antioxidant properties, and its extracts are utilized in skin cosmetics and supplements. This study investigates whether seed watermelon (Citrullus mucosospermus (Fursa))—a species closely related to wild watermelon—influences sebum synthesis and can serve as a skin cosmetic raw ingredient. Several bioactive compounds—including coniferyl alcohol, coniferin, and p-coumaryl alcohol—were identified in the active third fraction of the fruit extract. Subsequently, SZ95 sebocytes stimulated with linoleic acid were stained using Oil Red O to detect lipogenesis facilitated by the identified bioactive compounds. Coniferyl alcohol promoted linoleic acid-stimulated lipogenesis by approximately 2.2-fold at a concentration of 300 µM. Lipidomic analyses confirmed an increase in total lipid content following coniferyl alcohol treatment, with notable increases in cholesterol ester, cardiolipin, and simple lipid content. Overall, these findings suggest that seed watermelon contains compounds that do influence sebum synthesis. Consequently, skin cosmetics containing seed watermelon fruit extracts with linoleic acid may benefit individuals with dry skin. Full article

Amomyrtus luma (A. luma), a native Chilean tree species, produces fruits containing 1–3 non-edible seeds, which are typically discarded as waste during processing. This study evaluated the fatty acid composition and bioactive properties of A. luma seed oil obtained through maceration, ultrasound extraction, and Soxhlet extraction, using hexane as the extraction solvent. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), revealing that linoleic acid was the most abundant (79.79–80.09%), followed by oleic acid (8.89–9.18%) and palmitic acid (7.29–7.40%), with no significant differences (p < 0.05) among extraction methods. However, extraction conditions significantly influenced the concentration of bioactive compounds, including total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, lycopene, carotenoids, and antioxidant capacity, as determined through DPPH and FRAP assays. A strong correlation was observed between polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, particularly in maceration and ultrasound extraction, whereas Soxhlet extraction favored tocopherols and carotenoids due to the thermal degradation of polyphenols. Soxhlet extraction yielded the highest oil recovery, while ultrasound extraction preserved the highest levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. No antimicrobial activity was detected against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings underscore the key role of extraction methods in determining the nutritional and functional quality of A. luma seed oil. Given its high unsaturated fatty acid content and bioactive potential, A. luma seed oil represents a promising ingredient for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, while contributing to waste valorization and sustainable resource utilization. Full article

Perilla seed meal (PSM) is a waste biomass of perilla seed extraction that retains flavonoid and phenolic compounds. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of PSM extracts (PSMEs) from Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton as a sustainable source of natural active pharmaceutical ingredients (NAPIs) containing rosmarinic acid and luteolin for promoting bone health. PSMEs were obtained through shaking incubation and ultrasonic extraction, with 40% ethanol (PS-E40) and 80% ethanol (PS-E80) being found to be the most effective solvents. The effects of PSMEs on bone formation markers were evaluated in human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOB 1.19) using bone formation parameters. The results demonstrated that PS-E40 and PS-E80 extracts significantly increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) production, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels while concurrently reducing receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a dose-dependent manner, particularly at 100 µg/mL on day 7 and 50 and 100 µg/mL on day 14 of the co-incubation period. Moreover, Alizarin Red S staining demonstrated that PS-E40 enhanced calcium deposition in both normal and osteogenic media, further supporting the effect of PSMEs on mineralization and osteoblast differentiation. Our findings suggest that PSMEs rich in rosmarinic acid and luteolin enhance bone health by promoting osteoblast activity and reducing osteoclastogenesis. Full article

Seeds of Cucurbitaceae crops represent a promising yet underexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential applications beyond nutrition, particularly in the cosmetics industry. This review examines the seeds of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Cucumis melo (melon), and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), focusing on their biochemical composition and evaluating their functional value in natural cosmetic development. Although these fruits are widely consumed, industrial processing generates substantial seed by-products that are often discarded. These seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and phytochemicals, positioning them as sustainable raw materials for value-added applications. The incorporation of seed-derived extracts into cosmetic formulations offers multiple skin and hair benefits, including antioxidant activity, hydration, and support in managing conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and psoriasis. They also contribute to hair care by improving oil balance, reducing frizz, and enhancing strand nourishment. However, challenges such as environmental instability and low dermal permeability of seed oils have prompted interest in nanoencapsulation technologies to improve delivery, stability, and efficacy. This review summarizes current scientific findings and highlights the potential of Cucurbitaceae seeds as innovative and sustainable ingredients for cosmetic and personal care applications. Full article

Fritillaria unibracteata is a rare and endangered medicinal plant in the Liliaceae family, whose bulbs have been used in traditional Chinese traditional medicine for over 2000 years. The mevalonate (MVA) pathway is involved in the growth, development, response to environmental stress, and active ingredient production of plants; however, the functional characterization of MVA-pathway genes in the Liliaceae family remains poorly documented. In this study, an Acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase gene (FuAACT) was first cloned from F. unibracteata. It exhibited structural features of the thiolase family and showed the highest sequence identity with the Dioscorea cayenensis homolog. The K_m, V_max, and K_cat of the recombinant FuAACT were determined to be 3.035 ± 0.215 μM, 0.128 ± 0.0058 μmol/(min·mg), and 1.275 ± 0.0575 min⁻¹, respectively. The optimal catalytic conditions for FuAACT were ascertained to be 30 °C and pH 8.9. It was stable below 50 °C. His361 was confirmed to be a key amino acid residue to enzymatic catalysis by site-directed mutagenesis. Subsequent subcellular localization experiments demonstrated that FuAACT was localized in chloroplasts and cytoplasm. FuAACT-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants showed higher drought tolerance than wild-type plants. This phenotypic difference was corroborated by significant differences in seed germination rate, lateral root number, plant height, and leaf number (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the FuAACT transgenic plants resulted in the formation of a more developed fibrous root system. These results indicated that the FuAACT gene revealed substantial biological activity in vitro and in vivo, hopefully providing the basis for its further research and application in liliaceous ornamental and medicinal plants. Full article

Germination and physical field treatments are processing techniques that have been successfully used to change the amount of active ingredients in flaxseed. However, it is unknown if they work synergistically. This study investigated the effect of microwave-assisted germination on the lignan concentration and antioxidant activity of several flaxseed tissue components. Lignans were primarily dispersed in the flaxseed seed coat. Microwave treatment and germination significantly affected the levels of lignans in various flaxseed sections. Flaxseed hulls’ lignan content and antioxidant activity could be increased by microwave treatment (130 W for 14 s) after germination of 0, 48, or 96 h. Flaxseed kernels lignan content and antioxidant activity could be increased by microwave treatment (130 W for 10 s) before germination. Whole flaxseeds could be improved by microwave treatment (130 W for 10 s) after germination for 72 h. The findings provided a theoretical basis for reducing the loss of lignan resources in flaxseed, enhancing its use as a functional food ingredient, and clarifying the targeted utilization of various lignan sources. Full article

Corn cockle (Agrostemma githago L. (Lychnis githago (L.) Scop.)) is the main ingredient in some plant preparations for biostimulation in agriculture, and it elicits many positive responses. In our study, we attempted to determine if the fresh and dry plant material of A. githago contained auxin-like and cytokinin-like growth regulators (PGRs). Cucumis and mung bean bioassays were used to determine the presence of auxin-like PGRs and Cucumis and Triticum bioassays were used to determine the presence of cytokinin-like PGRs. A water solution derived from the crushed, homogenized and extracted seeds, fresh and dry seedlings, and fresh and dry young plants showed auxin-like activity in both bioassays. The activity in the Cucumis bioassay corresponded to 0.5 to 2 mg L⁻¹ of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and in the mung bean bioassay, the activity corresponded to 0.5 to 4 mg L⁻¹ of IBA. While the same water solutions showed weak or no cytokinin-like activity in the Cucumis cotyledon expansion bioassay, and they showed an activity of approximately 0.5 to 1 mg L⁻¹ of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) in the Triticum bioassay. An LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of free auxins, low levels of or no auxin analogues, a small amount of free cytokinins and a higher level of their cytokinin analogues in the samples, seeds, dry seedlings and young plants of A. githago, which was likely related to the fine-tuning between the free and analogue forms of the PGRs in the water solutions used in the experiments. Full article

Surfactants are widely utilized in agriculture as emulsifying, dispersing, anti-foaming, and wetting agents. In these adjuvant roles, the inherent biological activity of the surfactant is secondary to the active ingredients. Here, the hydrophilic non-ionic surface-active tri-block copolymer Pluronic^® F68 is investigated for direct biological activity in wheat. F68 binds to and inserts into lipid membranes, which may benefit crops under abiotic stress. F68’s interactions with Triticum aestivum (var Juniper) seedlings and a seed-borne Bacillus spp. endophyte are presented. At concentrations below 10 g/L, F68-primed wheat seeds exhibited unchanged emergence. Root-applied fluorescein-F68 (fF68) was internalized in root epidermal cells and concentrated in highly mobile endosomes. The potential benefit of F68 in droughted wheat was examined and contrasted with wheat treated with the osmolyte, glycine betaine (GB). Photosystem II activity of droughted plants dropped significantly below non-droughted controls, and no clear benefit of F68 (or GB) during drought or rehydration was observed. However, F68-treated wheat exhibited increased transpiration values (for watered plants only) and enhanced shoot dry mass (for watered and droughted plants), not observed for GB-treated or untreated plants. The release of seed-borne bacterial endophytes into the spermosphere of germinating seeds was not affected by F68 (for F68-primed seeds as well as F68 applied to roots), and the planktonic growth of a purified Bacillus spp. seed endophyte was not reduced by F68 applied below the critical micelle concentration. These studies demonstrated that F68 entered wheat root cells, concentrated in endosomes involved in transport, significantly promoted shoot growth, and showed no adverse effects to plant-associated bacteria. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and effective cosmetic ingredients has prompted renewed interest in winemaking by-products. Among these, grape stem (GS) extract remains relatively underexplored despite its rich content of phenolic compounds distinct from those found in more commonly studied grape seeds or skins. This study validates the potential of GS extract as a novel bioactive component in cosmetic cream formulations. Rich in antioxidant, antiaging, and depigmenting compounds—such as resveratrol, catechins, and phenolic acids—GS extract was incorporated into creams at concentrations ranging from 0.33% to 6.25%. The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, texture, rheological behaviour, and biological activity. The results demonstrated that GS extract enhanced total phenolic and flavonoid content, as well as viscosity, firmness, and antioxidant capacity—although not always in a concentration-dependent manner. All formulations maintained appropriate pH values and microbiological stability. Accelerated stability tests (40 °C, 75% RH, 3 months) identified the 0.83% to 1.64% concentration range as the most stable, preserving phenolic content, viscosity, and bioactivity. Higher extract levels, in contrast, led to reduced formulation stability, coalescence, and diminished antioxidant performance over time. Notably, GS-enriched creams exhibited significant elastase and tyrosinase inhibition, with lower concentrations maintaining antiaging potential throughout storage. These findings not only demonstrate that the incorporation of GS extract into a cosmetic base preserves its biological functionality but also reinforce the unique value of grape stems as an untapped resource for cosmetic innovation. Overall, the study advances current knowledge by establishing formulation parameters for a stable, effective, and sustainable cream based on grape stem extract. Further studies are recommended to optimize extract concentration and investigate encapsulation strategies for enhanced bioactive delivery and long-term stability. Full article

Background: Nutraceuticals have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional pharmacological treatments for managing joint pain and low-grade inflammation in physically active individuals. However, few clinical studies have evaluated the combined metabolic, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine effects of multi-ingredient supplements. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Flector Softgel FS Integratore, a multi-component food supplement, on joint pain, inflammatory markers, metabolic health, and orexin-A levels in physically active adults. Methods: In this randomized, controlled, low-intervention study, 25 adult participants (aged 30–60 years and amateur athletes engaging in at least 3 sessions/week of moderate physical activity) were assigned to either a treatment group (n = 15 received Flector Softgel FS for 14 days) or a placebo group (n = 10). The supplement contained 500 mg of Cannabis sativa seed oil (THC-free), 250 mg of Boswellia serrata extract, 250 mg of fish oil, 160 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, and 0.6 mg of undenatured type II collagen (UC-II). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Metabolic parameters, inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-10), and serum orexin-A levels were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Compared with the placebo, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in VAS scores (p < 0.001), as well as improvements in BMI, insulin, and lipid profiles, and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and IFN-γ). A reduction in orexin-A levels was also observed in the treatment group (p < 0.001), with a positive correlation between orexin-A and perceived pain. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Flector Softgel FS Integratore may be effective in reducing joint pain and systemic inflammation while supporting metabolic health in active adults. These effects may involve indirect modulation of orexin-A, though the exact mechanisms remain to be clarified. Despite the promising results, conclusions regarding efficacy in comparison with NSAIDs should be approached with caution in the absence of a pharmacological control group. Further studies with larger samples and a longer duration are needed. Full article

The processing of peaches generates large quantities of by-products, including peels, pomace, and seeds. Despite containing high levels of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, these by-products are often discarded as waste, thereby contributing to increased food waste. The present paper aimed to evaluate the total bioactive compound content in peach pomace and biscuits fortified with various concentrations of peach pomace (5%, 10%, and 15%), with a view to utilizing this valuable by-product in functional foods. Compositional analysis revealed that peach pomace is a significant source of polyphenols (1771.64 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹), flavonoids (478.99 mg RE 100 g⁻¹), and anthocyanins (21.18 mg C3GE 100 g⁻¹), and has a radical scavenging capacity of 40.41%. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of multiple functional groups in peach pomace that can be associated with polyphenols, polysaccharides, organic acids, esters, monosaccharides, and structurally bound water. Among the individual phenolic compounds, high concentrations of rutin (8.12 mg 100 g⁻¹), chlorogenic acid (3.77 mg 100 g⁻¹), and sinapic acid (2.70 mg 100 g⁻¹) were recorded. Following the replacement of wheat flour with peach pomace, increases in the content of bioactive compounds were observed. At the maximum level of 15% pomace, the biscuits presented the highest concentrations of polyphenols (444.04 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹), flavonoids (211.11 mg RE 100 g⁻¹), anthocyanins (25.43 mg C3GE 100 g⁻¹), sugars (46.48 g GluE 100 g⁻¹), and radical scavenging activity (27.21%). Similar bands were found in the FTIR spectra of the biscuits, indicating the presence of phenolic compounds and glycosides. The 1366 cm⁻¹ band, which is associated with C–O stretching and C–H and N–H deformation in peach pomace, appeared in the enriched biscuit samples at 1340–1374 cm⁻¹ but not in the control sample. These results suggest that peach pomace represents an ingredient with significant potential for use in the food industry, having the ability to improve the nutritional value of biscuits. Full article

(1) Background: Lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus L.) are underutilized legumes rich in nutrients; however, they are limited by the presence of antinutritional content. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a low-cost germination treatment on the nutritional composition, antinutrient content, and digestibility of whole lima beans. (2) Methods: unlike previous studies focused on common legumes or isolated proteins, this work adopted a whole-seed approach and integrated multiple parameters to provide a comprehensive evaluation. (3) Results: The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents increased significantly, by 215.57 mg GAE/g and 71.84 mg RE/g, respectively, at 72 h of germination (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity nearly doubled compared to raw beans, while the tannins and phytic acid content decreased significantly (p < 0.05). SDS-PAGE showed that germination enhanced digestibility by breaking down high-molecular-weight proteins into smaller fragments (15–30 kDa). Notably, samples germinated for 12–48 h showed higher digestibility after 2–3 h of limited proteolysis. (4) Conclusions: these findings indicate that germination effectively reduces antinutritional factors and improves digestibility, making processed lima beans a promising nutrient-dense ingredient for food formulations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Growing interest in natural, health-promoting ingredients for functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics has increased the demand for bioactive compounds from kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa). This study aimed to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties of amphiphilic bioactives extracted from kiwi fruit and its by-products, including peel, seeds, and pulp. Methods: Bioactive compounds were extracted and analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects were assessed through inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) in human platelets. Results: All extracts showed significant antioxidant activity. FTIR and LC–MS analyses confirmed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polar lipids. Kiwi peel extract exhibited the strongest inhibition of PAF- and ADP-induced platelet aggregation, attributed to its higher content of phenolics and unsaturated polar lipids. LC–MS data indicated a favorable fatty acid profile with high omega-9 levels and a low omega-6/omega-3 ratio. Polar lipid structural analysis revealed a predominance of phospholipids with unsaturated fatty acids at the sn-2 position. Conclusions: Kiwi by-products are valuable sources of health-promoting bioactives with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. These findings support their incorporation into nutraceutical, nutricosmetic, and cosmeceutical products and lay the groundwork for further studies on safety, efficacy, and practical application. Full article