Search Results (10,436)

Wound healing in cosmetological and aesthetic surgery extends beyond tissue closure to achieving rapid regeneration, minimal scarring, and restoration of functional skin architecture. However, conventional wound care strategies inadequately regulate the complex wound microenvironment required for optimal cosmetic outcomes, leading to prolonged healing times and suboptimal aesthetic results, which can negatively impact patient satisfaction and increase the risk of complications. Phytochemicals exhibit multifunctional bioactivities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-regenerative effects, but their clinical translation faces obstacles due to poor solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems have emerged as a critical enabling strategy to overcome these limitations. This narrative review provides an updated, mechanistically integrated synthesis of phytochemical-loaded nanotherapeutics, including polymeric nanoparticles, nanohydrogels, nanofibers, and lipid- and vesicle-based systems, with a specific focus on their roles in modulating key wound-healing pathways, such as inflammation resolution, angiogenesis, collagen remodelling, and re-epithelialization. Evidence from preclinical studies consistently demonstrates that nano-enabled phytochemicals enhance therapeutic efficacy, improve skin penetration, and contribute to superior cosmetic outcomes, particularly by reducing fibrosis and scar formation. However, critical gaps remain, including limited high-quality clinical evidence, a lack of standardized formulation design, variability in reported outcomes, and unresolved concerns regarding long-term safety and regulatory translation. Taken together, the key insight of this review is that phytochemical-loaded nanotherapeutics represent a promising but still transitional strategy, biologically compelling at the preclinical level yet clinically under-validated. Bridging this gap requires rigorously designed clinical trials, quantitative outcome reporting, and balanced regulatory frameworks. Advancing these areas will be essential to translate nano-enabled phytochemicals from experimental systems into reliable, evidence-based solutions for cosmetological wound management. Full article

In this study, we investigate the valorization of asparagus processing by-products—cut-off waste (CAW) and whole asparagus waste (WAW)—as sources of bioactive compounds, primarily polyphenolics, and their conjugation with chitosan (CS) to enhance their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, with potential applications as a food-preservation additive. Aqueous (CAWaq, WAWaq) and ethanolic (CAWet, WAWet) extracts were prepared and characterized to determine total phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and polyphenolic compound profile. Among the extracts, WAWaq exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with a total phenolic content of 9.93 mg gallic acid equivalents/g DW, and quercetin, rutin, and phenolic acids were identified as major constituents. A novel conjugate (WAWaq–CS) was synthesized via free-radical-mediated chemical modification of chitosan with WAWaq and characterized by means of ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and determination of bioactive properties. WAWaq-CS improved the antioxidant activity of chitosan and exhibited selective inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus across all tested concentrations, inducing cell death, as confirmed by resazurin viability and optical density measurements. Conversely, Pediococcus acidilactici maintained viability at low concentrations, preserving probiotic functionality in antibacterial systems. These findings indicate the potential of asparagus waste extract–chitosan conjugates as sustainable materials with dual functionality, highlighting the transformation of agro-industrial residues into functional materials for active food packaging and food preservation. Full article

Panvascular diseases are complex, with systemic vascular system damage as the common pathological basis. The pathogenesis of panvascular diseases is closely related to vascular endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, abnormal lipid metabolism, platelet aggregation, and thrombosis, posing a serious threat to human health. The Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews (P. suffruticosa), a type of medicinal peony, is one of the Standard Chinese medicinal herbs included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The root bark, leaves, petals, pollen, seeds, and follicles of P. suffruticosa are rich in various active compounds, including paeonol, paeoniflorin, and α-linolenic acid. Modern studies have demonstrated that these compounds exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including vascular endothelial protection, lipid metabolism regulation, antiplatelet aggregation, and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithrombotic effects. Furthermore, their mechanisms of action are highly consistent with the key pathological processes of panvascular diseases, indicating that P. suffruticosa has important value in the prevention and treatment of such diseases. The information involved in the study was gathered from a variety of electronic resources, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Google Scholar. The retrieval period was from 1999 to 2025. This review systematically summarizes the pharmacological effects of the main active compounds of P. suffruticosa on panvascular diseases, providing a theoretical reference for the in-depth development and utilization of P. suffruticosa resources and the development of innovative drugs for preventing and treating panvascular diseases. Full article

Soybean root rot, primarily caused by Fusarium oxysporum, leads to severe root decay and substantial yield losses in Glycine max. This study screened ten entomopathogenic nematode-associated symbiotic bacteria for antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum. Among them, Xenorhabdus budapestensis XH-4 exhibited the strongest in vitro inhibition, suppressing mycelial growth by more than 73%. Antifungal activity was primarily attributed to extracellular metabolites, as both fermentation broth and cell-free culture supernatant were effective, whereas bacterial cell suspensions showed no significant inhibition. In greenhouse experiments, 40% (v/v) XH-4 reduced the disease index by 75–80%, comparable to the chemical fungicide metalaxyl–hymexazol. Genome mining revealed 20 biosynthetic gene clusters encoding diverse secondary metabolites, including fabclavine, fabclavine pyrrolizixenamide A, and putrebactin/avaroferrin, which likely underpin the strain antifungal efficacy. Additionally, XH-4 enhanced soybean antioxidant capacity and activated the phenylpropanoid pathway, indicating a dual mechanism involving direct antagonism and induced systemic resistance. These findings support the development of XH-4 as an environmentally friendly biofungicide for sustainable management of soybean root rot. Full article

Background/Objectives: To explore the mechanisms of Hydrangea macrophylla adapting to low light-induced ornamental whitening, this study established treatments involving normal light (CK, 200 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹), moderate low light (L1, 100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹), and severe low light (L2, 20 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Methods: Meanwhile, physiological indicators, including growth, photosynthesis, and antioxidant activity, were assessed, alongside transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Results: Results indicate that L1 increased the proportion of leaf whitening area while maintaining plant growth (crown width, biomass), photosynthetic efficiency comparable to CK, and superior to L2. Concurrently, L1 activated a coordinated antioxidant defence system, namely by increasing the activity of key enzymes (e.g., SOD, GR) and the accumulation of protective metabolites (e.g., soluble proteins, total phenolics and total flavonoids), thereby minimising oxidative damage (low MDA). Multi-omics analyses revealed that L1 specifically activated these networks associated with carbon assimilation, energy metabolism, secondary metabolite synthesis, and hormone signalling, indicating a systemic molecular mechanism towards enhanced defence. Conclusions: In summary, moderate low light triggers a synergistic molecular network involving enhanced antioxidant defences and secondary metabolism, enabling H. macrophylla to maintain overall physiological homeostasis and healthy growth while exhibiting ornamental whitening phenotypes, thereby revealing a unique aesthetic adaptation mechanism to environmental stress. Full article

Sheng Mai San (SMS), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating qi and yin deficiency, is widely used in the management of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and heatstroke. However, its role in mitigating heat stress (HS)-induced liver injury remains underexplored. In this study, a rat model of HS was established under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, and SMS was administered as an intervention. The pharmacodynamic effects of SMS were comprehensively evaluated through histopathological examination, detection of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and heat shock protein 90(HSP90) expression, and analysis of liver function biomarkers (AST, ALT). Meanwhile, oxidative stress indicators were measured using biochemical assay kits (GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, T-AOC), and transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe mitochondrial ultrastructure, thereby assessing the protective effects of SMS on hepatic oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage induced by HS. In vitro, BRL-3A cells were cultured, subjected to HS, and treated with SMS. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and changes in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were evaluated using fluorescent probes. The results showed that SMS effectively restored HS-induced histopathological damage in rat liver tissues, reduced serum AST and ALT levels, and downregulated the mRNA expression of HSP70 and HSP90 in liver tissues. Meanwhile, SMS strengthened the hepatic antioxidant system by increasing the levels of GSH, SOD, T-AOC, and CAT, while decreasing MDA content. In vitro experiments confirmed that SMS increased the viability of BRL-3A cells, reduced ROS production, improved MPTP opening/closing regulation, and stabilized MMP. This study provides a clinical reference for its application in treating HS-related conditions in humans and animals. Full article

We showed recently that the adenosine system and nitric oxide (NO) can interact differently in the control of renal function in normoglycaemia (NG) versus streptozotocin-induced diabetes (DM). Herein, we investigated if this relationship is modulated by dietary betaine (Bet, food compound possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties), to examine if adenosine receptor signalling in NG and DM females is altered by chronic Bet supplementation. The effects of intravenous infusion of theophylline, non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, were examined in anaesthetised Sprague–Dawley female rats, pretreated for 2 weeks with Bet alone or combined with 4-day NO synthesis blockade with L-NAME (Bet + L-NAME). Renal blood flow (RBF, ultrasound artery probe), perfusion of the cortex, outer (OM-BF) and inner medulla (IM-BF; laser-Doppler technique), and tissue NO signal (selective electrode) were determined along with renal excretion. Bet and Bet + L-NAME decreased baseline RBF irrespective of glycaemia, whereas Bet lowered (NG) or elevated (DM) basal OM-BF; Bet + L-NAME treatment abolished these effects. Baseline sodium excretion decreased after Bet and Bet + L-NAME in NG only. Bet modified theophylline effects: IM-BF was lowered in DM rats, while tissue NO changes shown in the control were modified: NO increased in NG and decreased in DM. In NG, these effects were abolished by Bet + L-NAME. Bet pretreatment did not alter diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis, but after Bet + L-NAME these parameters increased (NG) or decreased (DM). Dietary Bet has the potential to affect renal medullary blood circulation; however, the eventual effect depends on glycaemia. Bet can modify renal functional changes induced by the interplay of the adenosine and NO systems, both in rats with normoglycaemia and streptozotocin diabetes. Full article

The growing interest in clean-label and naturally preserved foods has pushed the scientific community to research essential oils (EOs) as sustainable, multifunctional alternatives to chemical preservatives. These plant volatile compounds exhibit strong antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, making them promising ingredients for natural preservation. Fermented meat products, though highly nutritional, are particularly at risk of microbial spoilage and contamination by foodborne pathogens due to their complex microbiota and processing conditions. This review examines the role of EOs as natural antimicrobials in fermented meat systems, summarizing their mechanisms of action, efficiency against key pathogens, and impact on safety, shelf life, and sensory attributes. Additionally, it discusses technological challenges related to volatility, stability, and sensory alterations, and outlines mitigation strategies such as encapsulation, nanoemulsions, and controlled-release delivery systems. By critically presenting current progress and identifying research gaps such as standardization and matrix interactions, this review contributes to the development of effective, natural, and clean-label preservation strategies. These insights support innovation and sustainability in the meat processing industry by bridging the gap between antimicrobial efficacy and sensory acceptability. Full article

Astaxanthin (AST) is a potent carotenoid renowned for its exceptional antioxidant properties, which has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its broad spectrum of health benefits. This review comprehensively evaluates the therapeutic potential of AST in counteracting age-related decline, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, while also examining its beneficial effects on gut and skin health. Current evidence demonstrates that AST effectively mitigates oxidative stress and supports cellular health and longevity by neutralizing free radicals and upregulating endogenous antioxidant systems. In addition, AST modulates immune responses under conditions of immune dysfunction, thereby enhancing resilience against inflammatory disorders and infections. Emerging studies further indicate that AST promotes gut health by improving intestinal barrier integrity and maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, both of which are essential for systemic well-being. Moreover, its capacity to enhance skin elasticity and protect against ultraviolet-induced damage underscores its promising applications in cosmetic and dermatological products. This review highlights the urgent need for additional well-designed clinical trials to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms, optimal bioavailability, dosage regimens, and long-term safety of AST. By integrating findings across multiple research domains, the present work provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of AST as a promising nutraceutical for promoting health, healthy aging, and the management of chronic diseases. Full article

Background/Objectives: An imbalance in oxidative stress (OS) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). We compared OS status in IBD children and adults versus healthy controls by exploring variables impacting the OS disruption in IBD. Methods: Total antioxidant capacity (ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)), reactive species (ROS), oxidative products (advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs)), and antioxidant defenses (glutathione, GSH and intracellular activity of the main antioxidant enzymes) were evaluated. Correlations between OS markers, clinical features, disease characteristics, and inflammatory indices were explored. Results: Eighty-two IBD patients (67.5% in clinical remission) and 73 healthy subjects were enrolled. IBD children showed significant FRAP reduction compared to controls and IBD adults (p < 0.0001), increased AOPPs and reduced GSH compared to controls (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0011, respectively), higher total GSH (p = 0.020), and lower TBARSs (p = 0.023) compared to IBD adults. In the pediatric group, FRAP was significantly reduced in those with IBD and increased in older subjects and males, while AOPP levels were positively affected by increasing age. In the total IBD cohort, higher FRAP was associated with male gender, increasing age, overweight, and mesalazine therapy. The diagnosis of Ulcerative Colitis was associated with lower FRAP and AOPP levels compared to Crohn’s disease. Increased fecal calprotectin significantly decreased the total antioxidant capacity. Conclusions: The antioxidant system shows significant differences in IBD compared to controls, particularly in the pediatric group. The observed pediatric–adult pattern may suggest age-related differences in oxidative balance, but these findings should be interpreted with caution, given the modest sample size. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04513015. Full article

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), widely used as brominated flame retardants, are known to exert persistent adverse effects on the immune systems of humans and other organisms. Previous studies have demonstrated that 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), a prevalent congener, induces apoptosis, impairs phagocytic function, and triggers aberrant immune-inflammatory reactions in RAW264.7 macrophages via the induction of elevated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) signaling pathway is a key cellular defense system against oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the role of the Nrf2/ARE pathway in BDE-47-induced macrophage immunotoxicity. Network toxicology analysis identified Nrf2 as a hub gene within the BDE-47-associated immunotoxicity network. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations suggested a potential interaction between BDE-47 and the Keap1-Nrf2 complex, with moderate binding affinity. Experimental studies in RAW264.7 cells showed that BDE-47 exposure activated the Nrf2/ARE pathway, as evidenced by Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the differential upregulation of downstream genes (GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, NQO1, SOD1, and CAT). Importantly, Nrf2 knockdown via lentiviral shRNA or pharmacological inhibition with brusatol significantly exacerbated BDE-47-induced apoptosis and immune dysfunction, including enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and impaired phagocytosis. These results demonstrate that Nrf2/ARE pathway activation represents an adaptive antioxidant response and contributes to limiting BDE-47-induced cytotoxicity and immune impairment in macrophages. Full article

Dietary antioxidants and phytochemicals are believed to support cognitive health, but evidence on composite dietary indices remains limited. This cross-sectional study of 1845 community-dwelling older adults in China investigated the associations of the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and dietary phytochemical index (DPI) with cognitive function and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; Beijing version). MCI was diagnosed through a two-stage procedure: MoCA-based preliminary screening (with education-stratified cutoffs: 13/14 for illiterate, 19/20 for 1–6 years, 24/25 for ≥7 years) followed by neurologist confirmation. CDAI was calculated as the sum of the standardized intakes of six antioxidants (selenium, zinc, carotenoids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E); DPI was defined as the percentage of the total energy intake from phytochemical-rich foods (fruits, vegetables excluding potatoes, legumes including soy products, nuts, seeds, and whole grains). Multivariable linear regression, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII; platelets × neutrophils/lymphocytes) were tested as potential statistical mediators. Each one-unit increase in CDAI was associated with a 0.068-point higher MoCA score (95% CI: 0.012–0.123), and each one-unit increase in DPI was associated with a 0.029-point higher MoCA score (95% CI: 0.008–0.050). BMR and SII partially mediated the association between CDAI and MoCA score, but temporal ordering remains unclear due to the cross-sectional design. When both CDAI and DPI were in the highest quartile, participants had a 46.3% lower risk of MCI compared with those with both indices in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.537, 95% CI: 0.308–0.935). A predictive model incorporating CDAI, inflammatory markers, and red blood cell parameters showed moderate discriminatory ability in this study sample (apparent AUC = 0.731, bootstrap-corrected AUC = 0.728). These findings suggest that a higher combined dietary antioxidant and phytochemical intake may be jointly associated with better cognitive function, although the cross-sectional design precludes causal inference. Full article

Fluorosis, a systemic condition caused by chronic excessive fluoride intake, poses significant threats to livestock health and agricultural productivity worldwide. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on the modulatory effects of exercise against fluorosis, integrating human studies, animal experiments, and methodological considerations. Human studies indicate negative associations between fluoride exposure and cognitive development, muscle function, and exercise capacity, with exercise influencing fluoride pharmacokinetics in an exercise-intensity-dependent manner. Animal experiments consistently demonstrate that regular moderate-intensity exercise attenuates fluoride-induced damage across multiple organ systems through activation of the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway, modulation of BMP-2/Smads and OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling, suppression of inflammatory responses, and preservation of intestinal barrier integrity. Substantial heterogeneity exists among current fluorosis models regarding exposure dosages, durations, and exercise protocols, underscoring the need for standardization and consideration of genetic background. Overall, exercise shows promise for mitigating fluorosis-induced multi-organ damage, although human evidence remains limited. Future research should prioritize model optimization, elucidation of molecular targets, and exploration of synergistic interventions to provide a foundation for veterinary clinical management. Full article

Dexamethasone induces systemic toxicity, including oxidative stress, inflammation, hematological disturbances, and organ damage, particularly in the lungs and thyroid. Taurine exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but poor bioavailability limits its efficacy. Nanoparticle delivery may enhance stability and tissue targeting. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of taurine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Tau–CS NPs) against dexamethasone-induced tissue injury in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were allocated into control, DEXA, DEXA + silymarin, DEXA + taurine, and DEXA + Tau–CS NPs groups. Tau–CS NPs were characterized by TEM, UV–vis, FTIR, encapsulation efficiency, and drug loading. Hematology, oxidative stress markers (CAT, SOD, GSH, MDA), thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH, calcitonin), protein profile, lung and thyroid histopathology, and MPO expression were assessed. Tau–CS NPs showed uniform spherical morphology (11–60 nm), high encapsulation (98.2%), and substantial loading (50.36%). Dexamethasone caused hematological, oxidative, thyroidal, and histological disturbances. Tau–CS NPs markedly restored hematological indices, antioxidant defenses, thyroid function, protein profile, and tissue architecture, outperforming free taurine and silymarin. MPO expression was significantly reduced, indicating decreased inflammation. Taurine nanoparticles effectively mitigate dexamethasone-induced systemic and organ-specific toxicity, offering improved bioavailability and targeted delivery, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Full article

Thymol has been granted “Generally Recognized as Safe” status by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, its application as a natural preservative is constrained by limitations such as poor water solubility and high volatility. In this study, a dual-protein complex was prepared using mung bean protein and whey protein isolate to stabilize thymol-loaded oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions. The results demonstrated that the dual-protein system was driven by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic attraction, and hydrophobic interactions. Compared to single-protein systems, the dual-protein Pickering emulsions possessed smaller droplet sizes, lower polydispersity indices, and higher surface charges and surface hydrophobicity. Additionally, the dual protein enhanced emulsifying activity, thermal stability, and 30-day storage stability. Notably, the complex formed a continuous three-dimensional porous network structure at the mung bean protein (MBP) to whey protein isolate (WPI) ratio of 50%:50%. Benefiting from this structure and high surface hydrophobicity, the 50%:50% formulation achieved the highest thymol encapsulation efficiency. In terms of functional properties, this optimized emulsion demonstrated notable antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity; it demonstrated antibacterial activity against Shewanella putrefaciens and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the IC₅₀ value for the 50%:50% formulation was 192.25 ± 1.93 μg/mL (DPPH) and 161.74 ± 0.71 μg/mL (ABTS). In summary, the 50%:50% formulation enhanced the emulsifying activity, encapsulation efficiency, and bioactivity of the emulsion. This system provides an effective strategy for the stabilization and encapsulation of hydrophobic active compounds in emulsions. Full article