Search Results (10,874)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than 40 million deaths annually worldwide, including approximately 18 million premature deaths (before 70 years of age), highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive strategies. In this context, mushroom-enriched functional beverages have emerged as promising dietary approaches for the prevention and management of NCDs. This review synthesizes current evidence on mushroom-derived bioactive compounds and their application in beverage systems, integrating biochemical, technological, and regulatory perspectives. Key compounds, including β-glucans, phenolics, terpenoids, and bioactive peptides, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties, with reported effects on glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota modulation. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies indicates improvements such as reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), postprandial glucose, and lipid markers, although studies specifically evaluating beverages remain limited. A patent analysis (2021–2026) identified 398 applications, of which 356 were selected, demonstrating growing technological innovation, particularly in Asia and North America. However, recent years show fewer visible applications (e.g., 60 in 2024 and 30 in 2025), likely due to confidentiality periods. Despite their functional potential, challenges related to bioavailability, clinical validation, and regulatory harmonization persist. Overall, mushroom-enriched beverages represent a promising, yet still emerging, strategy requiring further translational and clinical research to support their large-scale application in public health. Full article

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex cluster of interconnected metabolic abnormalities, including central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, chronic inflammation, and impaired glucose metabolism, which collectively increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Although current therapeutic strategies, including lifestyle interventions and pharmacological treatments, can be effective in managing specific MetS components, the multifactorial nature of this condition continues to encourage the search for complementary approaches and novel bioactive compounds. Salt-tolerant plants (STPs), particularly halophytes, survive under adverse saline and oxidative stress conditions through specialized physiological and biochemical adaptations, including the production of diverse secondary metabolites such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids and polysaccharides. Several of these compounds have been associated with health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, lipid-modulating and cardioprotective effects. This review provides an integrated and critical overview of the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and bioactivities of STPs with potential relevance to MetS and its associated conditions, namely chronic inflammation, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, dyslipidemia and obesity. The review first introduces the main features of MetS and the relevance of STPs as bioresources, followed by a synthesis of ethnomedicinal uses related to MetS-associated disorders. It then discusses in vitro and in vivo evidence for selected species, extracts and compounds, including reported bioactive metabolites and proposed mechanisms of action when available. Finally, the most promising species, extracts and metabolites are highlighted, together with current limitations and future research needs regarding efficacy, safety, bioavailability, standardization and clinical relevance. Full article

Product Shezi (PS) is a polyherbal African traditional medicine (ATM) formulated from six known South African medicinal plants and is used for treating cutaneous wounds. However, its ethnopharmacological properties have not been scientifically validated. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities of PS in vitro. Aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared and qualitatively screened for phytochemical constituents. Cytotoxicity in fibroblasts and macrophages was assessed using an ATP-based viability assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and a hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative stress model. Anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages were measured using the Griess reagent system, a human prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) ELISA, and a bovine serum albumin (BSA) anti-denaturation assay. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by twofold serial broth microdilution, agar well diffusion, and a crystal violet biofilm assay. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids. PS exhibited IC₁₀ values of 3 and 10 μg/mL in fibroblasts and macrophages, respectively. PS (1–5 μg/mL) showed 70% DPPH scavenging potential and potent H₂O₂ cytoprotection (p < 0.001). Nitric oxide inhibition was non-significant (p > 0.05) whilst PGE₂ decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to LPS-stimulated cells. BSA denaturation was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis were the only microorganisms susceptible to PS (MIC 650–5000 μg/mL) with low SI (SI ≈ 0.05–0.06), while others were resistant. PS showed no antibiofilm activity (crystal-violet assay). Overall, PS demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and selective antibacterial effects against planktonic bacteria in vitro. However, further optimization of extraction methods, detailed mechanistic studies, and in vivo investigations are warranted to substantiate therapeutic relevance. Full article

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex intestinal inflammatory disorder linked to immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Grape seed flour (GSF), a winemaking by-product rich in polyphenols and fibres, displays antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may help maintain gut homeostasis. Methods: The phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of our GSF were evaluated. We assessed whether a diet containing 10% (w/w) GSF protects against dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in BALB/c mice. Animals received either a standard diet or a GSF-supplemented diet before and during DSS exposure. Body weight and disease activity index were monitored. At sacrifice, colon length and colonic histology scoring were measured. The study of the faecal microbiota and predicted genome was performed using PICRUSt. Caecal metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, were also quantified. Results: GSF is rich in fibres (64%) and exhibits a very high polyphenolic content and high antioxidant capacity. GSF supplementation attenuated DSS-induced weight loss and disease activity and limited colonic shortening and histological damage. It also improved biomarkers of colon, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and liver injury. At the molecular level, GSF downregulated key pro-inflammatory mediators in the colon and liver, while enhancing anti-inflammatory (e.g., IL-10) and antioxidant markers, indicating reinforcement of regulatory and redox-protective pathways along the gut–liver axis. At the gut microbiota level, GSF supplementation modulated α-diversity. Further analysis demonstrated that GSF reshaped the GM profile by preventing the blooming of some taxa, including UBA1819, Akkermansia, and Bacteroides caecimuris, and enriching butyrate-producing bacteria, such as Muribaculaceae and Ruminococcus. These shifts were accompanied by lower acetone and ethyl acetate levels and higher indole levels, which are known to support epithelial barrier integrity and mucosal homeostasis. Conclusions: Overall, GSF mitigates DSS-induced colitis through combined actions on inflammatory signalling, oxidative stress, immune regulation, microbiota composition and microbiota-derived metabolites, supporting its potential as a functional prebiotic ingredient for intestinal health. Full article

Olive pomace (OP), the main by-product of olive oil production, is a rich source of phenolic compounds, among which hydroxytyrosol (HT) has received considerable attention because of its biological activity. This review examines the occurrence of HT in OP and the factors that influence its formation during processing, with particular attention to the intrinsic compositional variability arising from cultivar differences, irrigation regimes, fruit maturity, and extraction systems, which collectively challenge industrial reproducibility. Current strategies for HT extraction and purification are reviewed, and the technological readiness of each method is evaluated. The biological activities of HT, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects, are summarized alongside a critical assessment of in vivo bioavailability data. Key research gaps are identified throughout: no pilot-scale integrated purification train has been validated, life cycle assessments comparing different recovery routes are absent, and most delivery systems lack in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation. By bringing together studies on HT recovery and its functional properties, this review highlights the promising yet underdeveloped potential of OP as a sustainable feedstock for HT recovery and identifies the critical steps needed to advance from laboratory research to industrial application. Full article

Ocular diseases are a significant public health problem worldwide and represent one of the leading causes of disability. The prevalence of visual impairment is steadily increasing, largely driven by the ageing population. Oxidative stress, chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative processes underlie the pathogenesis of many eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts, contributing to progressive vision loss and functional impairment. Carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin, β-carotene, lycopene, and astaxanthin exhibit multidirectional biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. These compounds are selectively accumulated in the tissues of the eye, especially in the retina and macula, where they neutralise reactive oxygen species, modulate inflammatory pathways, stabilise mitochondrial function and support the survival and function of retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors. The aim of our review was to provide a comprehensive review of current data regarding the mechanisms of action of carotenoids and their potential clinical significance in the prevention and treatment of retinal, optic nerve, lens, and eye surface diseases, including dry eye syndrome and Meibomian gland dysfunction. We identified results of available experimental and clinical research and outlined that an adequate supply of carotenoids in the diet or in the form of supplementation may support the protection of eye structures against oxidative and inflammatory damage, improve visual performance and potentially slow disease progression. However, high-quality prospective clinical trials are necessary to conclusively assess their therapeutic efficacy and establish evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. Full article

This review aims to assess and synthesize the recent scientific literature on bioactive phytochemicals derived from Cyanobacteria and microalgae, with a focus on their pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. A total of 837 articles published over the past seven years were retrieved from multiple databases, including studies reporting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other pharmacological and nutritional properties. After applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 86 studies were selected for detailed analysis. Among these, 28% focused on nutritional and dietary applications, 26% on antioxidant activities, 22% on other pharmacological potentials, 13% on antimicrobial effects, and 11% on anti-inflammatory properties. The most frequently studied genera were Arthrospira/Limnospira (Cyanobacteria) (29 articles), followed by Chlorella (Chlorophyta) (13), Nannochloropsis (10), and Phaeodactylum (Bacillariophyceae) (8). Regarding the types of products studied, crude extracts or biomass were the most common (68.96%), followed by pigments (10.34%), lipids (8.04%), proteins (6.89%), and polysaccharides (5.74%). In terms of methodology, 72% of the studies employed in vitro approaches, with 42% using non-cellular assays and 30% using cellular assays, while in vivo and in silico approaches were used in 23% and 5% of studies, respectively. The available literature indicates that Cyanobacteria- and microalgae-based products are a promising source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. However, as most of the current evidence remains preliminary and derived largely from in vitro studies, these findings should be regarded as an early indication of potential that requires further in vivo and clinical validation. Full article

Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench is a European native species typically associated with dry, sunny, sandy, and nutrient-poor habitats. In European herbal practice, preparations from H. arenarium inflorescences are traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of digestive complaints. Polyphenolic constituents, particularly flavonoid and chalcone derivatives, are among the most characteristic compounds detected in the inflorescences. Intensive harvesting and degradation of natural habitats have increased pressure on wild populations. Since H. arenarium is legally protected in many countries, biotechnological approaches for plant biomass production represent a promising alternative. In the present study, shoot and callus cultures were established, and detailed extract profiling was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS³). Cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities were also evaluated. In vitro-derived materials were compared with inflorescences and shoots of the maternal plant. The analyzed materials showed pronounced tissue-dependent metabolic differentiation. The highest callus growth rate was observed for the Ha-C-1 line, which also accumulated the highest levels of chlorogenic acid (25.80 ± 3.09 mg/g dry extract) and isochlorogenic acid A (55.83 ± 13.78 mg/g dry extract). Apigenin was detected in the inflorescence extract, reaching 3.55 ± 1.42 mg/g dry extract. The extracts did not markedly affect HaCaT viability at 15.63–500 µg/mL, while the strongest bioactivities were observed for inflorescence and maternal plant extracts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Raffinose is a prebiotic trisaccharide fermented by human gut microbiota, yet the strain-level determinants of its degradation and associated metabolic outputs remain poorly characterized. Methods: In the present study, anaerobic fermentation, 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing, culturomics, and metabolomics were conducted to address this question. Results: In vitro fermentation of raffinose was performed using fecal samples from 16 healthy donors, and substantial interindividual variation was observed in substrate consumption, microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid production. Through culturomics, 204 bacterial strains spanning 18 species were isolated, among which Limosilactobacillus reuteri subsp. reuteri exhibited the highest raffinose-degrading efficiency. Untargeted metabolomics comparing L. reuteri subsp. reuteri cultured on raffinose versus glucose revealed a distinct metabolic shift, with 290 metabolites significantly upregulated, including the putatively identified fructooligosaccharide 1-kestose—a compound with documented prebiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. KEGG enrichment further highlighted coordinated remodeling of nucleotide and amino acid metabolism. Conclusions: Collectively, this study provides a strain-level framework for understanding how raffinose shapes the gut microbiota and identifies L. reuteri subsp. reuteri as a key metabolic hub linking prebiotic consumption to the production of bioactive metabolites. Full article

Background/Objectives: Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a critical challenge in cardiovascular disease management. Although Chinese yam polysaccharides (CYPs), the primary bioactive macromolecules isolated from Dioscorea opposita Thunb, exhibit well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, their cardioprotective efficacy against acute I/R injury and the underlying multiscale mechanisms remain unexplored. This study investigated the protective effects of CYPs using an in vivo mouse model of myocardial I/R injury. Methods: An in vivo mouse model of myocardial I/R injury was used to evaluate the effects of 7-day prophylactic CYPs treatment (400 mg/kg). Echocardiographic and histological analyses were performed, and serum myocardial injury biomarkers, oxidative stress indicators, pro-inflammatory cytokines, mitochondrial ultrastructure, ATP bioenergetics, mitochondrial respiratory chain gene expression, and gut microbiota composition were assessed. Results: Echocardiographic and histological analyses revealed that CYPs pretreatment significantly ameliorated cardiac dysfunction, as indicated by increased LVEF from 28.98% to 57.68% and reduced myocardial infarct size by 36.73% compared with the I/R group and decreased serum myocardial injury biomarkers, including CK-MB, LDH, and LDH-1. Mechanistically, CYPs exerted robust cardioprotection by mitigating oxidative damage, with MDA levels reduced by 28.83% and SOD activity increased to 1.76-fold that of the I/R group, and suppressing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including Tnf-α, Il-6, and Il-1β. Crucially, CYPs intervention preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure and ATP bioenergetics, and levels increased to 1.51-fold that of the I/R group and upregulated the expression of essential mitochondrial respiratory chain genes, including mt-Nd1, mt-Nd4l, mt-Cyb, mt-CoII, and mt-Atp6. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that CYPs treatment reshaped gut microbiota and elevated the relative abundance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant beneficial genus Akkermansia. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings provide novel evidence that CYPs confer profound protection against myocardial I/R injury through a multitargeted network involving the restoration of mitochondrial homeostasis, attenuation of oxidative inflammation, and modulation of the gut microbiome, highlighting CYPs as a promising functional food-derived candidate for adjunctive therapy in ischemic heart disease. Full article

Psoriasis is characterized by the rapid proliferation of keratinocytes, leading to erythematous plaques with silvery scales, skin pain, and impaired quality of life. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising treatment modality for various skin disorders, including psoriasis. Curcumin, a natural photosensitizer, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of synthetic curcuminoids combined with blue-light-mediated PDT for psoriasis treatment using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. MTT assays demonstrated that the synthetic curcuminoids (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione (No. 11) and (1E,6E)-1,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione (No. 12) exhibited minimal cytotoxicity toward HaCaT cells. Upon ultraviolet–visible light irradiation, curcuminoid-treated cells generated intracellular reactive oxygen species, confirming the photodynamic activity induced by blue light exposure. Treatment with synthetic curcuminoids significantly suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17A/F and IL-8 in imiquimod-stimulated HaCaT cells, a commonly used psoriasis-like inflammatory model, indicating notable anti-inflammatory effects. Western blot analysis further revealed an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in cells treated with synthetic curcuminoids No. 11 or No. 12 under photodynamic irradiation, suggesting the induction of apoptosis. Synthetic curcuminoids combined with blue-light PDT may represent a promising and cost-effective strategy for psoriasis. Full article

Background/Objectives: The extraction and encapsulation of Tanacetum parthenium L. (feverfew) represent highly relevant approaches for maximizing the recovery and protection of its bioactive phytocomplexes, particularly the main active compound, parthenolide (PAR). The present study aimed to develop and optimize a cyclodextrin-based extraction and encapsulation method for T. parthenium to improve the chemical and physicochemical properties and biological activity of bioactive-rich phytocomplexes. Methods: The extraction process was optimized by comparing conventional maceration (ME) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UE), using different ethanol–water mixtures as extractants, with and without hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD) as an extraction enhancer. The highest PAR yield (approximately 6.3 mg/g dried biomass), combined with enhanced total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, was achieved using 50% (v/v) ethanol with 0.5% CD under UE. The optimized extract was spray-dried to produce powder formulations, with or without carrier material, which have been characterized for their technological, chemical, physicochemical, structural, and biological properties. Results: The inclusion of CD significantly improved process yield (approximately 65% compared to 47% for the non-encapsulated extract) and reduced residual moisture content, indicating enhanced drying efficiency and improved powder stability. Furthermore, the encapsulated formulation demonstrated preserved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in cell-based assays. Conclusions: The developed CD-based encapsulation method represents a promising strategy for stabilizing feverfew bioactives and enhancing their potential applicability in pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic formulations. Full article

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are significant defensive and pharmaceutical metabolites found in medicinal plants of the Papaveraceae family. Among these, dehydrocavidine is a distinctive bioactive constituent of Corydalis saxicola Bunting, an endangered medicinal plant endemic to karst habitats, known for its definite hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral pharmacological properties. Berberine bridge enzyme-like (BBEL) proteins serve as key rate-limiting enzymes catalyzing core skeletal oxidation in BIA biosynthesis. However, their functions in C. saxicola remain uncharacterized. In this study, we performed a comprehensive functional genomic analysis of the BBEL family in C. saxicola (CsBBELs). A total of 22 CsBBEL members were identified from the genome of C. saxicola, all of which possess the conserved FAD-binding domain and BBE functional domain characteristic of the BBEL family. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the CsBBEL family formed three clades closely clustered with homologs from related Papaveraceae species, indicating high conservation. Expression profiles demonstrated significant organ specificity and Ca²⁺ stress response of the CsBBEL genes, with CsBBEL3, CsBBEL16, and CsBBEL17 being particularly highly expressed in roots. Protein structure prediction and molecular docking suggested that these candidates bind cavidine and tetrahydrocolumbamine. In vitro enzymatic assays confirmed that CsBBEL3/16/17 specifically catalyzed the four-electron oxidation of cavidine and tetrahydrocolumbamine to produce dehydrocavidine and columbamine, respectively, exhibiting oxidase activity in the BIA biosynthetic pathway. These findings not only contribute to germplasm conservation but also lay a foundation for the synthetic biology-based improvement of C. saxicola. Full article

Toad poison (ChanSu), a traditional animal-derived medicine, has long been used in East Asian medical systems for the treatment of inflammatory conditions and tumor-related disorders. While bufadienolides have been extensively investigated as its major bioactive constituents, the contribution of peptide components to its antitumor effects remains largely unexplored. Here, we identified protein-derived candidate antiproliferative peptides from toad poison using an integrated proteomics and bioinformatics-guided strategy. Proteomic analysis identified 135 proteins, from which 2117 peptide sequences were generated via in silico digestion with trypsin and pepsin. Subsequent multi-step screening using PeptideRanker, AntiCP, iACP, and ACPred yielded twelve candidate peptides with predicted anticancer activity. Network pharmacology analysis suggested their potential involvement in cancer-related targets and pathways. ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) evaluation was subsequently used as a complementary assessment of drug-like and safety-related properties, further prioritizing four peptides for experimental validation, while molecular docking supported their interactions with key lung cancer-associated targets. In vitro assays demonstrated that three of the four prioritized peptides (WEAWN, NSQWG, and ACGVIGICQ) exhibited initial antiproliferative activity against human lung cancer A549 cells, though these findings should be interpreted with caution given the absence of a positive control in the MTT assay. This study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that protein-derived peptide candidates from toad poison may possess antiproliferative potential, representing an early systematic exploration of its previously unexplored peptidome as a source of candidate antiproliferative peptides warranting further pharmacological investigation. The integrated strategy presented here offers an efficient approach for the discovery of bioactive peptides from animal-derived traditional medicines. Full article

Urtica dioica L. (stinging nettle) is a perennial herb with a long ethnomedicinal history and diverse pharmacological potential. This comprehensive review consolidates current knowledge on its phytochemistry, extraction technologies, bioactivities, and molecular mechanisms. However, recent reviews have generally addressed these aspects separately, and an integrated assessment linking green extraction technologies and phytochemical profiles to molecular mechanisms and gene expression modulation is still lacking. U. dioica contains abundant polyphenols (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid), sterols (β-sitosterol and stigmasterol), vitamins, carotenoids, and the antiviral lectin Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA). Advances in green extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction, and natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)-based systems, have significantly improved yield, purity, and environmental sustainability compared to conventional maceration and Soxhlet methods. Comprehensive chromatographic and spectroscopic profiling (HPLC, GC–MS, FTIR, NMR, and LC–MS/MS) has established detailed chemical fingerprints linking bioactive constituents to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. Mechanistic studies reveal that U. dioica exerts its therapeutic effects through modulation of oxidative stress, inhibition of the NF-κB and COX-2 pathways, enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and regulation of apoptotic gene expression. Moreover, NADES–MAE extracts demonstrate potential as sustainable, high-efficacy formulations for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. Despite extensive preclinical evidence, clinical standardization and dosage optimization remain major challenges. This review underscores U. dioica as a multifunctional medicinal plant with significant promise for next-generation phytotherapeutics and molecular nutrition. Full article