Search Results (3,648)

Background: Pregnancy is a vital period during which maternal nutrition profoundly influences both maternal health and fetal development. Carotenoids, predominantly found in fruits and vegetables, are bioactive compounds that enhance antioxidant defenses and facilitate vitamin A metabolism throughout pregnancy. However, assessing carotenoids intake presents challenges due to the lack of dietary assessment tools capable of quantifying individual carotenoids, coupled with limited data from populations in Eastern Europe. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 621 pregnant women in Romania was conducted to estimate dietary carotenoids intake and investigate associations with dietary patterns and overall diet quality. Dietary data were obtained using the EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire (EPIC-FFQ), adapted for Romanian populations. A dedicated carotenoid estimation model was developed utilizing the USDA Carotenoid Database. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to identify dietary patterns, and diet quality was evaluated using the Diet Quality Index during Pregnancy (DQI-P). Results: The findings revealed significant individual variability. The median intake was highest for β-carotene (2464 μg), and lycopene (1664 μg), followed by lutein and zeaxanthin (908 μg), α-carotene (615 μg), and β-cryptoxanthin (121 μg). The Vegetable-meal pattern exhibited the strongest positive correlation with carotenoids intake, whereas the Energy-dense pattern was primarily associated with vitamin E and tocopherols/tocotrienols, and the Mixed pattern with vitamins A and D. Higher DQI-P scores were consistently correlated with increased carotenoids consumption. Conclusions: Overall, maternal carotenoids intake during pregnancy was frequently insufficient and showed considerable variation among women. A diet rich in vegetables and higher overall diet quality were associated with elevated carotenoids intake levels. These findings enhance the understanding of dietary carotenoids intake among pregnant women in Eastern Europe. Full article

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipotoxicity, dysregulated adipogenesis, and alterations in the gut microbiota, which collectively contribute to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic complications. In this context, dietary patterns rich in bioactive compounds have gained relevance as potential strategies to modulate these interconnected pathways. Objective: To assess the potential of the Milpa Diet (a sustainable, plant-dominant Mesoamerican eating pattern centered on the ancient three sisters’ polyculture of maize, beans, and squash, along with chili) as a culturally relevant, multi-axis functional dietary pattern, and to evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity-associated with metabolic dysfunction. Methods: A scoping review of preclinical and clinical studies was conducted using Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The ChEMBL database was also used to identify chemical structures. The search focused on evidence related to inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and gut microbiota modulation in the context of the main foods of the Milpa Diet, including maize, legumes, chili peppers, nopal, and quelites. Studies were selected based on peer-review status and their relevance to molecular, metabolic, and functional outcomes. Results: The current evidence shows that the core components of the Milpa Diet provide dietary fiber and a broad range of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, carotenoids, capsaicinoids, phenolic acids, pigments, and vitamins, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds have been associated with modulation of adipogenesis and lipotoxicity, preservation of mitochondrial function, and favorable regulation of gut microbiota composition and activity, collectively influencing metabolic pathways relevant to obesity. Conclusions: Overall, mechanistic and emerging clinical evidence suggests that the Milpa Diet represents a multi-axis nutritional strategy with potential to mitigate obesity-related metabolic dysfunction through coordinated effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, adipogenesis, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial function, and gut microbiota regulation. Although comprehensive clinical trials evaluating this dietary pattern as an integrated intervention remain limited, current evidence supports its relevance for future translational research, public health strategies, and the development of sustainable dietary models aimed at improving metabolic health. Full article

The consumption of vegetable oils is steadily increasing, especially in Asian countries. Once used, the utilized cooking oils are either thrown into landfills or dumped there, endangering both the environment and people. One common method is to convert waste cooking oil (WCO) into biofuel; however, since WCO contains many free radicals, burning it releases large quantities of pollutants, meaning that disposal of WCO poses significant environmental risks. To stabilize the WCO (Cocos nucifera) before converting it into biofuel, this study analyzed the extraction, optimization, and use of antioxidant-rich bio-oil from Anisomeles malabarica leaves as a natural additive. Solvent screening revealed that a hexane–ethanol ratio of 4:2 was optimal for generating 76.7% bio-oil at room temperature. A maximum yield of 77% was attained by temperature and time optimization, which determined that 50 °C and 20 min were ideal. The extraction exhibits zero-order kinetics during the increasing phase, according to kinetic studies, with rate constants ranging from 0.54 to 1.44% min⁻¹ (R² = 0.950–0.997). The Peleg equilibrium model (average R² = 0.806) was used to describe the extraction profile. The regression equation ln(k) = 1799.3 × (1/T) − 10.828 (R² = 0.9748, p = 0.0002) was obtained using Arrhenius analysis. It was found that the compounds responsible for the antioxidant scavenging activity were found to be phytol, hexadecenoic acid, and tocopherol (vitamin E). The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test confirmed that 3% (v/v) bio-oil scavenged about 95% of free radicals, whereas the conjugated diene experiment demonstrated that over 90% of lipid oxidation in WCO was prevented. The combustion and emission properties of biofuel (WCB), which was created by transesterifying bio-oil-treated WCO, were compared to those of neat diesel and untreated WCO-derived biofuel (WC). In comparison to both WC50 and neat diesel, WCB50 demonstrated an equivalent in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate, but significantly reduced emissions of NO_x, CO, hydrocarbons, and smoke. These results show that Anisomeles malabarica bio-oil works well as a natural antioxidant addition for clean combustion and biodiesel stabilization. Full article

Colored rice is a type of functional cereal rich in bioactive substances such as anthocyanins. This article systematically reviews its molecular formation, nutritional quality, health effects, and industrial applications. At the molecular level, the biosynthesis of pigments such as anthocyanins is regulated by transcription factors including MYB and bHLH, and is influenced by environmental conditions such as light, temperature, and fertilization. Nutritional analysis shows that, compared to white rice, colored rice contains higher levels of resistant starch, high-quality protein, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins. In addition, it is rich in various phenolic compounds and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These bioactive components have functional food applications in chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer through multiple mechanisms. These mechanisms include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and modulation of the gut microbiota. Despite the advancements in molecular breeding and precision cultivation technologies that have driven variety improvement and diversified product development, the industry still faces challenges such as the contradiction between nutrient retention and processing palatability, as well as insufficient market recognition. In the future, it is necessary to integrate multidisciplinary technologies to promote the development of colored rice. This may contribute to modulating risk factors associated with chronic diseases based on precision nutrition evidence. Full article

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) is an emerging non-thermal technology that is capable of improving the quality and shelf life of fruit juices while retaining heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. This study optimized a mixed-fruit juice (MFJ) blend—60% mandarin, 25% pineapple, and 15% watermelon using a D-optimal mixture design. The MFJ was subjected to HC at varying pressures (4–6 bar) and times (40–60 min) and compared to thermal treatment (90 °C for 30 s). The optimized predicted HC treatment (5 bar/52 min) effectively maintained pH, titratable acidity, and TSS. Notably, HC at 6 bar for 60 min reduced the sedimentation index by 2% and lowered viscosity to 3.56 cP. Compared to thermal processing, the optimized HC-treated sample demonstrated superior nutrient retention, preserving 82.29% of vitamin C, 93.50% of total phenolics, 87.43% of flavonoids, and 61.67% of antioxidant activity. Microbial safety was also improved, achieving a 1.35 log CFU/mL reduction in total plate count and 47.96% peroxidase inactivation. While sensory evaluation showed slightly lower acceptability for HC-treated juice (6.36) versus the control (7.14), it significantly outperformed thermal treatment (3.83). Furthermore, the cavitated sample demonstrated superior bioactive retention after 14 days of storage at 4 °C, with total phenolic content retained at 31.55 ± 0.9 mg GAE/100 mL. The findings suggest that hydrodynamic cavitation can be considered a promising non-thermal processing technology for improving physicochemical stability, preserving bioactive compounds, and extending the shelf life of functional fruit beverages. This underscores HC’s potential as a viable, high-quality alternative to traditional pasteurization in the beverage industry. Full article

Heavy metals such as copper and zinc serve as essential trace elements for photosynthetic organisms at appropriate concentrations. However, at elevated levels, these metals (along with non-essential metals like chromium, lead, mercury, and cadmium) exert severe toxic effects on aquatic life. Heavy metal toxicity primarily relates to oxidative damage in living systems through a direct increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduction in cellular antioxidant capacity. Previous research on algae of different types with different coverings led us to complete the comparative framework. For this purpose and to assess biotechnological potential, we investigated chromium effects on Euglena gracilis, which possesses a unique pellicle covering, to determine whether it could serve as a chromium biosensor or bioremediation agent. Using Raman spectroscopy and absorption microspectrophotometry (MSP), we found that chromium concentrations of up to 500 μM had no effect on Euglena chlorophyll or carotenoid profiles, consistent with the pellicle preventing chromium entry and protecting the photosynthetic apparatus. However, concentrations > 10 μM severely inhibited growth through extracellular interference with essential nutrient utilization (ammonium phosphate and vitamin B₁₂). Growth inhibition was reversible upon transfer to fresh medium, confirming that cellular machinery remained intact. These results suggest that E. gracilis cannot serve as a chromium biosensor (photosynthetic apparatus unaffected) or bioremediation agent (no chromium internalization), but its ability to maintain photosynthetic functionality in chromium-contaminated environments suggests the potential for alternative applications in polluted water biomass production. Full article

The genus Capsicum is widely used worldwide for its culinary value and functional potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of sweet and hot pepper at different stages of ripeness. Six varieties of peppers at five stages of ripeness were analysed. Mineral parameters (Ca, Fe, Na, K, Mg) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, and phenols) were analysed by liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH assays, and antimicrobial activity was assessed by minimum inhibitory concentration against bacteria and yeasts. Multivariate analyses (PCA and heatmap) were carried out at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that genotype was the main determinant of variability, surpassing the effect of ripeness. Potassium was the predominant mineral (3431.5 mg/100 g DW) in Malagueta chilli M5. Variety-specific peaks were identified, notably vitamin C in Habanero chilli (M3) (10,319.5 mg/100 g DW), capsaicin in Malagueta chilli (M5) (1949.8 mg/100 g DW), and carotenoids in Orange medium peppers (M5) (9495.8 mg/100 g DW). Antioxidant activity was higher in hot varieties (41.3 mmol ET/100 g DW in Habanero chilli (M2) by DPPH), while antimicrobial activity varied against Escherichia coli (2.6 mg/mL in Yellow medium peppers (M4)), Staphylococcus aureus (5.2 mg/mL in Orange medium pepper), and Streptococcus mutans (2.0 mg/mL in Jalapeño chilli), with low MIC values. Multivariate analyses confirmed that chemical and biological variability is primarily structured by genotype. Full article

The increasing prevalence of celiac disease underscores the need to develop nutritionally balanced, gluten-free snacks based on local raw materials. This study aimed to develop extruded gluten-free snacks based on corn, rice, buckwheat, and chickpea flours, enriched with a 5% blend of berry powders (sea buckthorn, blackcurrant, cranberry), and to evaluate their physicochemical, nutritional, and antioxidant properties. Snacks were produced via high-temperature short-time extrusion (120–160 °C). The results demonstrated that chickpea/corn formulations exhibited the highest initial protein content (13.87%), which remained robust after berry addition (9.14%), outperforming the starchy corn/rice control (7.61%). Enrichment significantly enhanced the functional profile: water-soluble antioxidants increased from 0.039 to 0.60–0.71 mg/g, and DPPH radical scavenging activity reached up to 61.8 ± 2.4%. Furthermore, the enriched snacks exhibited high retention of thermolabile compounds, including Vitamin C (up to 18.91 mg/100 g). Sensory evaluation confirmed excellent organoleptic acceptability without compromising texture. These findings quantitatively demonstrate that combining legume flours with berry powders enables the production of gluten-free extruded snacks with improved protein density, superior antioxidant potential, and moderate energy value (322–330 kcal/100 g), offering a functional alternative for specific dietary needs. Full article

Background: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory condition among women. The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), a measure of dietary antioxidant capacity, has been associated with various inflammatory diseases, but evidence concerning its association with PID remains limited. Methods: The final analytic sample included 4539 women. CDAI was calculated from six dietary antioxidant components: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, zinc, and selenium. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between CDAI and self-reported history of treated PID, incorporating the sampling weights, strata, and primary sampling units of NHANES. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis was used to assess both linear and non-linear associations. Subgroup analyses and a machine learning model based on random forest, combined with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value ranking, were conducted to evaluate the relative importance of individual components of CDAI. Results: In the fully adjusted spline model including smoking status, CDAI was inversely associated with the odds of self-reported history of treated PID, with no statistical evidence of nonlinearity. Compared with the lowest quartile (Q1), the odds ratios (ORs) for self-reported history of treated PID across higher quartiles of CDAI were as follows: Q2 (OR = 0.682, 95% CI: 0.485–0.959, p = 0.036), Q3 (OR = 0.524, 95% CI: 0.334–0.819, p = 0.009), and Q4 (OR = 0.666, 95% CI: 0.380–1.167, p = 0.167). Among the components of CDAI, vitamin E intake showed an independent inverse association with the odds of self-reported history of treated PID. The SHAP value interpretation indicated that vitamin A, vitamin C, and carotenoids were the three components in CDAI with the highest predictive contribution. Furthermore, subgroup analysis demonstrated a significant interaction effect of age on the association between CDAI and PID. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study suggests an inverse association between CDAI and self-reported history of treated PID, particularly in spline analyses; however, the quartile-based fully adjusted results were non-monotonic and attenuated after adjustment for smoking status. These findings provide hypothesis-generating evidence for future longitudinal and mechanistic studies on antioxidant-related dietary patterns and PID-related reproductive health. Full article

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a pivotal role in maintaining epidermal barrier homeostasis and regulating cutaneous inflammatory responses. However, the cosmetic application of vitamin D and its active metabolites is limited by photoinstability, formulation challenges, and regulatory considerations. In this study, we evaluated a synthetic VDR-activating peptide (VDR-Pep) as a potential functional cosmetic ingredient capable of modulating VDR-associated signaling pathways in human keratinocytes. In situ proximity ligation assays (PLAs) demonstrated that VDR-Pep enhanced the heterodimerization of VDR and retinoid X receptor (RXR), indicating activation of canonical VDR signaling. Treatment with VDR-Pep significantly increased the expression of S100A3 and key terminal differentiation markers, including filaggrin, involucrin, and loricrin, in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, VDR-Pep stimulated intracellular calcium mobilization at levels comparable to or exceeding those induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃. Under UVB-induced stress conditions, the peptide attenuated the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) and enhanced NRF2-associated transcriptional engagement, as evidenced by increased interaction between NRF2 and RNA polymerase II. Collectively, these findings suggest that VDR-Pep supports epidermal homeostasis through coordinated modulation of VDR/RXR signaling, calcium-mediated differentiation, barrier-related protein expression, inflammatory responses, and antioxidant-associated pathways. The results indicate that VDR-targeting peptides may represent a promising non-hormonal strategy for cosmetic formulations aimed at reinforcing skin barrier function and improving resilience to environmental stress. Future studies should focus on validating these effects in in vivo human skin models, assessing long-term safety and efficacy, and optimizing formulation stability for practical cosmetic applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dioscorea batatas Decne (yam), which contains various bioactive compounds, has been utilized in the cosmetics industry, while most of the peel of D. batatas (DBP) is discarded without further use. Recent studies have shown that DBP contains higher levels of bioactive substances than the rhizome flesh. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin biological activities of DBP extracts obtained using 70% ethanol (70% EtOH DBP), 95% ethanol (95% EtOH DBP), and ethyl acetate (EA DBP), with particular attention to their antioxidant-associated protective effects. Methods: Skin-related bioactivities of DBP extracts prepared using ultrasonic extraction were evaluated using in vitro tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) assays, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells, ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT viability assays, and Western blot analysis of pro-collagen type I alpha 1(Pro-COL1A1) and MMP-1 in HDF cells. In addition, the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities of DBP extracts and representative DBP derivatives were assessed. Results: DBP extracts inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro and reduced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. DBP extracts also protected skin cells from UVB by increasing the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In UVB-irradiated HDF cells, DBP extracts restored Pro-COL1A1 expression and suppressed MMP-1 levels. Additionally, DBP extracts inhibited MMP-1 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The DBP extracts themselves exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, with EA DBP showing the highest vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity among the tested extracts. Representative DBP-derived phenanthrene compounds also showed radical scavenging activities, supporting the antioxidant potential of peel-derived phytochemicals. Conclusions: These findings indicate that DBP extracts possess skin-whitening and anti-photoaging effects and suggest that these protective activities may be associated with the antioxidant potential of both DBP extracts and DBP derivatives. Full article

Growing demand for natural and functional foods has increased interest in fermentation-based technologies. This study aimed to develop and characterize fermented and freeze-dried vegetable snacks from beetroot, potato, zucchini, and cucumber. The evaluation included physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, and color), microbiological quality, antioxidant potential using TEAC, ABTS and FRAP assays, along with determination of total phenolic content (TPC), vitamin C, sensory acceptability and attributes. Fermentation resulted in a significant decrease in pH and an increase in titratable acidity of samples, confirming active growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with counts exceeding 6 log₁₀ CFU/g after five days. Freeze-drying preserved the acidic profile and influenced color parameters. Antioxidant capacity varied depending on the raw material, with beetroot showing the strongest potential to scavenge the ABTS^•+, while cucumber was characterized by the highest vitamin C content (175.24 mg/100 g dry matter. Zucchini exhibited moderate antioxidant capacity, whereas potato showed the lowest values. Sensory analysis indicated high acceptance of beetroot and potato snacks, associated with balanced flavor and texture, while cucumber and zucchini samples were rated lower due to softer texture and higher acidity. The combination of lactic fermentation and freeze-drying enables the production of vegetable snacks with desirable sensory properties and enhanced functional potential. Full article

Cordyceps militaris, a medicinal and edible mushroom, is renowned for its bioactive constituents and health-promoting effects. This study investigated the effects of vacuum freeze drying (VF), vacuum drying (VD), oven drying (OV), and sun drying (SU) on the metabolite profiles and antioxidant activities of C. militaris. VF showed the highest levels of total phenolics, total carotenoids, cordycepin, and N⁶-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine, whereas VD better preserved total flavonoids. VF- and VD-treated samples also exhibited stronger antioxidant capacities than those processed by OV and SU in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS^•+), hydroxyl radical (•OH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Metabolomics analysis identified 193 significantly altered metabolites after drying treatments. VF, VD, and SU increased carbohydrates, vitamins, and phenolic acids, while leading to reductions in amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids. KEGG analysis revealed that drying significantly affected pathways related to purine and pyrimidine metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Network pharmacology further identified 8 key compounds potentially associated with antioxidant effects through interactions with 37 core targets. These findings highlight the importance of selecting appropriate drying methods to preserve the bioactive compounds and functional quality of C. militaris. Full article

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a volatile natural sulfur-containing compound derived from garlic, possesses antifungal and preservative potential. However, its biocontrol efficacy against postharvest gray mold of tomato and the molecular mechanisms underlying fruit quality maintenance remain unclear. In this study, we systematically investigated the inhibitory effect of DATS fumigation on postharvest gray mold, its role in fruit quality maintenance, and the associated molecular mechanisms through in vitro antifungal assays, physiological and biochemical measurements, transcriptome sequencing, and correlation analysis. In vitro experiments showed that DATS at 50 μL L⁻¹ completely inhibited spore germination and germ tube elongation of Botrytis cinerea in a concentration-dependent manner, and disrupted spore membrane integrity (FDA-positive spores dropped from 73.4% to 2.9% at 50 μL L⁻¹). In vivo experiments demonstrated that Bc + DATS treatment completely inhibited lesion development compared to the control Bc, enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase (e.g., CAT activity 2.20-fold higher than Bc on day 3), decreased malondialdehyde accumulation (0.65-fold of Bc on day 4), and delayed the declines in total soluble solids, titratable acidity, soluble sugars and vitamin C content (VC content 4.14-fold higher than Bc on day 4). Transcriptomic analysis revealed that DATS treatment up-regulated genes involved in plant hormone signal transduction, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and phenylalanine metabolism, while down-regulating core MAPK kinases and histidine decarboxylase. Correlation analysis demonstrated significant associations between the expression of these pathway genes and antioxidant enzyme activities, vitamin C content, and lesion diameter. Collectively, DATS achieves effective control of postharvest gray mold and maintenance of fruit quality in tomato through direct antifungal activity, synergistic activation of hormone/MAPK signaling, reprogramming of phenylalanine metabolism, and modulation of membrane lipid homeostasis. This study provides a theoretical and practical basis for developing DATS as a green postharvest preservative to reduce food loss and ensure food safety. Full article

Cyanogenic glycosides in leafy vegetables pose significant food safety concerns because they release hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when plant tissue is disrupted. Although boiling is widely used for detoxification, its effects on nutritional quality and bioactive compounds remain insufficiently characterized. This study evaluated the effects of boiling on HCN, carotenoids, antioxidant capacity, and nutrient retention in Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (chaya) leaves. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays. An integrative nutrient retention index (NRI) was used to assess overall nutrient preservation. Boiling reduced HCN by 99.94%, confirming effective detoxification through hydrolysis, volatilization, and leaching. β-carotene showed high retention (95.8%), whereas thiamine (0.91%) and riboflavin (16.67%) were markedly reduced. Potassium retention was also low (24.85%). The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity decreased significantly after boiling. The NRI indicated high retention of bioactive compounds (85.95%) but lower retention of vitamins (25.81%) and minerals (52.85%), yielding a global value of 54.92%. These findings highlight a trade-off between food safety and nutritional quality. Therefore, boiling remains a critical safety intervention for chaya and provides a useful model for optimizing processing conditions to balance detoxification with functional value. Full article