Search Results (214)

Nitrites and nitrates are admitted into the body through the consumption of various foods, primarily cured meat products. These nitrites and nitrates are precursors of reactive nitrogen species NO and NO₂, which, in excess, promote nitrosative stress. Attempts have been made to combat oxidative and nitrosative stress through C₆₀ fullerenols in animal models. Furthermore, experimental and theoretical studies have shown that the use of carbon nanomaterials such as defective or doped graphene and C₆₀ metallofullerenes facilitates the capture of NO_x pollutants contained in the air. This leads us to propose that the inclusion of metals in C₆₀ fullerenols may have the potential to capture these reactive nitrogen species and be considered in nitrosative stress tests in animal models. Alternatively, viewed from another perspective, a certain grade of hydroxylation of metallofullerenes could enhance the capture of atmospheric nitrogen pollutants. Therefore, Li, Ca and Y metals were included in C₆₀ fullerenols at different coating grades. Using density functional theory (DFT), we analyzed the antiradical character of these metallofullerenols, and the adsorption energies of the free radicals (NO_x) were calculated to evaluate the ability of these metallofullerenols to adsorb these nitrogen species. Although both fullerenols and endohedral metallofullerenes have individually shown promise as radical scavengers, a systematic understanding of how the encapsulated metal and the grade of hydroxylation jointly govern the capture of nitrogen species is still lacking. In particular, it remains unclear whether increasing the number of hydroxyl groups monotonically enhances the capture capacity or whether optimal combinations of metal identity and surface functionalization exist. Addressing this gap is crucial, since excessive hydroxylation may alter the electronic structure, stability, and mechanism of interaction with NO_x radicals, potentially compromising capture capacity. Therefore, a rational evaluation that simultaneously considers electronic donor–acceptor properties, local reactivity, and adsorption thermodynamics is required to identify metallofullerenols with possible potential to sense or scavenge NO_x. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the enrichment in the soluble protein and bioactive components of wheat bread by Polish bee pollen or bee bread addition, applying a previously reported recipe. The research phase included a baking trial and laboratory analyses, including water and soluble protein content, total acidity, crumb color of the fresh bread, sensory evaluation and texture profile (TPA) (fresh and after 4 days of storage). The bioactivity of 80% ethanol extracts (1% w/v) of used additives and enriched breads was assessed in terms of total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as antioxidant activity. The results confirmed that both additives (at percentages: 1%, 3%, and 5%) enhanced bread’s properties in a dose-dependent manner, and the bread with 5% bee bread addition achieved the highest acidity, a 3.7-fold increase in soluble protein content, a 10-fold increase in iron-reducing capacity, and a 6-fold increase in antiradical activity compared to the control. Moreover, in texture tests, the same variant demonstrated the most effective delay in the staling process, maintaining the highest softness after 4 days. However, consumers rated the bread with 5% bee bread variant too intense in flavor. In general, the technological repeatability of the fortification degree of wheat bread with Polish bee products with the recipe used was confirmed; however, the quality of raw additives can deteriorate sensory qualities. Full article

Cereal lipids influence both the nutritional value and technological properties of flours; however, their composition remains poorly characterised, particularly in ancient wheat cultivars. This study investigated the lipid fraction of flours from three ancient wheat cultivars: Risciola and Carosella (soft wheat) and Saragolla (durum wheat). Fatty acid and phytosterol profiles were analysed by GC-FID, while ATR-FTIR spectroscopy provided complementary spectral information. Antiradical activity was assessed by DPPH and ABTS assays. In all samples, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) predominated (60.23–64.04% of total identified fatty acids), with linoleic acid as the major component. Risciola showed the highest PUFA percentage and the most favourable PUFA/SFA ratio (SFA, saturated fatty acids). β-Sitosterol was the predominant phytosterol in all cultivars, while Saragolla showed a higher percentage of phytostanols (campestanol and sitostanol). Exploratory multivariate analysis provided a visual overview of compositional patterns among cultivars, consistent with differences in lipid profiles within the analysed sample set. ATR–FTIR analysis supported the chromatographic findings, while antiradical assays indicated differences in radical-scavenging capacity. Overall, the combined chromatographic, spectroscopic, and antiradical approach highlights the lipid fraction as an informative descriptor of nutritional quality, cultivar-related compositional diversity, and potential functional relevance, supporting the targeted use of ancient wheat flours in cereal-based applications. Full article

The blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) is known for its high content of bioactive compounds, which are widely recognized for their health-promoting properties. This study aimed to characterize the fruit quality, total phenolic content (TPC), total monomeric anthocyanin content (TMA), anthocyanin profile and antioxidant activity of the nine Romanian V. corymbosum genotypes (‘Augusta’, ‘Azur’, ‘Delicia’, ‘Lax’, ‘Pastel’, ‘Prod’, ‘Safir’, ‘Simultan’, and ‘Vital’) over three consecutive harvest seasons (2023–2025). Significant genotype- and year-dependent variation was observed for all parameters. ‘Lax’ consistently accumulated the highest total anthocyanin content across all three seasons, while ‘Simultan’ exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and total monomeric anthocyanin content. ‘Prod’ consistently recorded the lowest phytochemical values despite achieving the highest firmness in 2025. UPLC analysis identified 10 anthocyanins, covering all five major anthocyanidin classes. Strong positive correlations were found between TPC, TMA, and antioxidant activity. These results confirm that genotype is the primary determinant of blueberry phytochemical composition, as indicated by the largest effect sizes in the two-way ANOVA, with harvest year and genotype × year interaction as statistically significant but secondary modulating factors, and identify ‘Lax’, ‘Simultan’, and ‘Safir’ as promising cultivars for nutraceutical and breeding applications. Full article

The positive effects of phenolic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract are influenced by dietary fibers. The aim of this work was to study the interactions between syringic acid and soluble and insoluble dietary fibers from the β-glucan group, including laminarin from Laminaria digitata, zymosan A from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and β-glucan from Euglena gracilis. Kinetic models of the pseudo-first and pseudo-second order were applied to describe the interactions in time. The stability of the complexes between syringic acid and dietary fibers was monitored at different times by the DPPH method. The water holding capacity, water swelling capacity and water solubility of dietary fibers were determined. FTIR spectra were recorded to characterize the possible binding of syringic acid and dietary fibers. The results showed that syringic acid adsorbed onto dietary fibers with different adsorption capacities. The highest adsorption capacity was observed for zymosan A (431 mg g⁻¹), followed by laminarin (382 mg g⁻¹) and β-glucan from Euglena gracilis (336 mg g⁻¹). The parameters of the kinetic models showed good agreement with the experimental data. The highest antiradical activity was found for the complex of syringic acid—β-glucan from Euglena gracilis. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the bonding of syringic acid onto dietary fibers. The interactions of polyphenols and dietary fibers are important to understand the role of dietary fibers as carriers of polyphenols. Full article

Oxidative stress results from the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause cellular and molecular damage and contribute to chronic diseases. Given the recognized antioxidant potential of benzimidazole derivatives—particularly 2-mercaptobenzimidazole—this study aimed to synthesize novel organosilicon S-silylalkylthioethers (I–IV) and N-alkylsilylthioethers (1a–3f) derived from this scaffold and to evaluate their antioxidant and antibrowning properties. The S-silylalkylthioethers were obtained by reacting 2-mercaptobenzimidazole with different chloroalkylsilanes under reflux in ethanol, followed by a reaction with alkyl halides in aprotic media at room temperature to prepare the N-alkylsilylthioethers. Structural elucidation was achieved through 1D and 2D NMR and FT-IR. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, the total antioxidant capacity, and ferric-reducing assays. The results showed several derivatives with notable antioxidant responses, revealing a clear relationship between carbon chain length, logP values, organosilicon substitution patterns, and radical-scavenging efficiency. Spearman correlation analysis further confirmed that DPPH activity is inversely related to total carbon number, molecular size, molecular weight, and LogP (ρ = −0.68 to −0.73, p < 0.001) and moderately negatively correlated with N-alkyl chain length (ρ = −0.47, p = 0.027), while S-alkyl chains showed no significant effect. These findings highlight the potential of these benzimidazole–organosilicon hybrids as antioxidant candidates and demonstrate how physicochemical properties govern their reactivity and antiradical capacity. Full article

Hop polyphenols contribute to beer stability and possess a wide range of biological activities; however, information on how extraction conditions influence their recovery and antioxidant potential remains limited. This study aimed to compare hot-water extraction, simulating wort boiling, with 80% aqueous acetone extraction as initial sample preparation steps for assessing the polyphenol content and antiradical activity of hops. Sample sets of four Czech hop cultivars from two contrasting harvest years were examined. Group-type polyphenols, total polyphenols, anthocyanogens, flavanoids and UHPLC–HRMS flavonoid profiles were evaluated. Antiradical activity was evaluated by the DPPH assay. Extraction solvent markedly affected both the composition and antiradical properties of hop extracts. Aqueous acetone provided substantially higher yields of anthocyanogens and prenylflavonoids and consistently higher antiradical activity, particularly in cultivars with elevated α-acid content. In contrast, hot-water extracts yielded slightly higher total polyphenols but significantly lower anthocyanogens and reduced antioxidant capacity. Correlation analyses showed that antiradical activity in water extracts was strongly driven by polyphenol levels, whereas in acetone extracts it was influenced by additional constituents, including bitter acids. Extraction solvent critically determines the polyphenolic profile and antioxidant behavior of hop extracts. Aqueous acetone proved more effective for isolating bioactive polyphenol fractions relevant to antiradical performance. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical stage for establishing lifelong dietary habits and preventing non-communicable diseases through adequate intake of bioactive compounds. Numerous studies have thoroughly examined the antioxidant profile of traditional diets such as the Mediterranean diet. In contrast, current research provides limited insights into the antioxidant properties of foods typically consumed by Mexican adolescents. Objective: So, this study aimed to quantify the total phenolic compound (TPC) content and antioxidant capacity (AC) of frequently consumed foods and to estimate dietary intake in Mexican adolescents. Methodology: The selected food groups were identified based on their frequency of consumption by 15% or more of the adolescent population, considering those that have demonstrated a sufficient quantity of antioxidants. It was analyzed TPC and ABTS•⁺ and DPPH• to determine the antiradical activity of the analyzed samples. Results: The estimated daily intake of TPC was 1484.01 mg GAE/person, while AC intake was 345.67 mg AAE/person (ABTS•⁺) and 5399.14 µmol TE/person (DPPH•). Cereals and fruits were the major contributors to total antioxidant intake, while the contribution of leafy vegetables and nuts was relatively low. The statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between TPC and AC. The results of the study indicate the antioxidant potential of the adolescent diet. Conclusions: Despite certain limitations, the values obtained from the study are comparable to those of other studies that employed similar methodologies. Consequently, promoting the early consumption of fresh plant-based foods rich in antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can enhance the dietary profile and contribute to adolescents’ long-term health, constitutes a significant area of research. Full article

Faced with the challenge of reducing food waste, transforming discarded fruit into functional ingredients useful for the food industry is a valuable solution. Ingredients from fruit such as persimmons, which are rich in indigestible carbohydrates and bioactive compounds with antiradical capacity, could positively impact on the health of certain population groups due to their potential prebiotic effect. This study aimed to select the most suitable drying conditions and milling intensity for obtaining powdered persimmon ingredients with a prebiotic-like effects observed in vitro for postmenopausal women, and to evaluate this effect by considering the stimulation of health-promoting bacterial growth and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production. First, the effect of the drying method (hot air drying at 60 and 70 °C, and freeze-drying) and grinding intensity on antiradical capacity, particle size, and the release of bioactive antiradical components into the intestinal lumen after an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was determined. Next, the effect of these conditions on the microbiota composition of postmenopausal women was preliminary assessed in a batch colonic fermentation experiment for 24 h. The results showed that the ingredient dried with air at 70 °C had the highest phenol and flavonoid content, suffered the least degradation during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and promoted the differential growth of fiber-degrader genera. Consequently, this was the ingredient selected as the most suitable. Lastly, the impact of this ingredient on the microbiota composition of 4 postmenopausal women has been evaluated in a long-term study using the Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME^®) coupled to high throughput sequencing. The growth stimulation of health-associated bacteria, such as Akkermansia muciniphila, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii or Phascolarctobacterium faecium, and the promotion of beneficial metabolic pathways, such as the sugar uptake-specific phosphotransferase system, sugar metabolism and propionate and isobutyrate production, were detected along 14 days of persimmon powder supplementation. A holistic framework for promoting human health while advancing environmental sustainability is represented by the combination of sustainable by-product valorization and microbiota-targeted functional food development. Full article

Wine is a rich source of biologically active compounds, particularly polyphenols, which exhibit antioxidant and antiradical properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the vinification procedures of Polish wines from the hybrid white grape cv. ‘Johanniter’ and red grape cv. ‘Regent’, grown in the temperate climate of central Europe, by applying different skin maceration times: 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 days. The wines were compared for their basic oenological characteristics and polyphenolic (UHPLC–MS) content as well as their antioxidant (FRAP test) and antiradical (DPPH test, ORAC-fl and EPR spectroscopy) capacities. Both wines demonstrated a substantial increase in their total phenolic content and antioxidant and antiradical capacities after a 4-day maceration; further treatment did not lead to considerable enrichment in bioactive compounds. Scavenging activities against nitroxyl radicals and DPPH were divergent for the tested wines and depended on the analytical method applied, which indicated distinct molecular mechanisms. In turn, the activity of peroxyl radical scavengers, antioxidant capacity, and the total content of phenolics were higher in all the red wine samples. The antioxidant and antiradical properties of the examined wines were comparable or even exceeded those determined for most wines produced in regions with a rich winemaking tradition. Full article

This study aimed to develop functional calcium alginate hydrogels incorporating Chlorella vulgaris, carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), and encapsulated Lactobacillus acidophilus in edible jelly gums with enhanced bioactivity and probiotic viability. Laboratory-prepared jellies containing encapsulated probiotics (encapsulated LAB-Jelly) and those with free cells (LAB-Jelly) were compared with a commercial jelly sample. The formulations were evaluated for phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and antiradical activity, texture, sensory characteristics, and probiotic survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The encapsulated LAB-Jelly exhibited significantly higher total phenolic content (4.6 ± 0.1 mg GAE/g) and antioxidant activity (25.9 ± 0.1 mg Fe⁺²/g) compared to the commercial product, mainly due to the presence of carob and Chlorella. Texture analysis showed lower hardness (21.8 N) but comparable elasticity (89.3%) and cohesiveness (72.8%) comparative to commercial jelly gum, while sensory evaluation confirmed their favorable acceptability and non-perceptible bead presence. Microencapsulation achieved 75% efficiency and improved probiotic survival during gastrointestinal simulation after 18 h (14% reduction in Logcfu/mL compared to 30% of the free probiotics). Overall, the combination of alginate encapsulation, Chlorella, and carob produced edible jelly gums with improved antioxidant and textural properties, offering a promising delivery system for functional foods enriched with probiotics and plant-based bioactives. Full article

Grape pomace, the main by-product of winemaking, represents a promising source of anthocyanins for sustainable food applications. This study reports their low-impact aqueous extraction, yielding a two-step isolation of malvidin 3-O-hexoside (94% purity) characterized by spectroscopic and mass spectrometric analyses. The pure molecule was embedded into a jelly candy to develop a nutraceutical prototype, whose colorimetric analysis revealed a stable red hue. The jelly showed time-dependent release of the anthocyanin and strong antiradical capacity. The in vitro digestion confirmed 37% release in the oral phase, 55% in the gastric phase, and complete degradation in the intestinal phase, offering key insights for developing a further advanced strategy to enhance the bioaccessibility throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract. A consumer test (n = 116) indicated good acceptability, particularly among younger and more experienced supplement users. Overall, the study contributes to circular economy strategies towards a more resilient, responsible, and sustainable production system. Full article

Sesame seed oil is a bioactive-rich lipid source, notable for lignans, tocopherols, and unsaturated fatty acids that underpin its antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. This study optimized two innovative, non-thermal extraction techniques—pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound bath-assisted extraction (UBAE)—to maximize yield and preserve oil quality for functional food applications. A blocked definitive screening design combined with response surface methodology modeled the effects of energy power (X₁, 60–100%), liquid-to-solid ratio (X₂, 10–20 mL/g), and extraction time (X₃, 10–30 min) on fat content, DPPH antiradical activity, and oxidative stability indices (Conjugated Dienes, CDs/Conjugated Trienes, CTs). UBAE achieved the highest fat yield—59.0% at low energy (60%), high X₂ (20 mL/g), and short X₃ (10 min)—while PEF maximized DPPH to 36.0 μmol TEAC/kg oil at high energy (100%), moderate X₂ (17 mL/g), and short X₃ (10 min). CDs were minimized to 19.78 mmol/kg (UBAE, 60%, 10 mL/g, 10 min) and CTs to 3.34 mmol/kg (UBAE, 60%, 12 mL/g, 10 min). Partial least squares analysis identified X₂ and X₃ as the most influential variables (VIP > 0.8), with energy–time interplay (X₁ × X₃) being critical for antioxidant capacity. Compared to cold-pressing and Soxhlet extraction, PEF and cold-pressing retained higher antioxidant activity (~19 μmol TEAC/kg) and oxidative stability (TBARS ≤ 0.30 mmol MDAE/kg), while Soxhlet—though yielding 55.65% fat—showed the poorest quality profile (Totox value > 560). Both non-thermal techniques can deliver bioactive-rich sesame oil with lower oxidative degradation, supporting their application in functional foods aimed at improving dietary antioxidant intake and mitigating lipid oxidation burden. PEF at high energy/short time and UBAE at low energy/short time present complementary, scalable options for producing high-value edible oils aligned with human health priorities. As a limitation, we did not directly quantify lignans or tocopherols in this study, and future work will address their measurement and bioaccessibility. Full article

Edible coatings enriched with antioxidants offer a promising approach to prolong the shelf life of oxidation-sensitive foods such as nuts. Nonetheless, not all formulations provide the expected protection, and understanding why is equally important. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an Arabic gum/gelatin/ascorbyl palmitate (GAR/GEL/AP) coating on the quality of hazelnut kernels during storage at 23 °C and ~40% relative humidity. The coating was applied by dipping hazelnuts in a 20% ethanolic solution containing GAR/GEL 75/25 blend (10% w/w), glycerol (1% w/w), Tween 80 (0.25% w/w), and AP (2% w/w), followed by drying. Control (uncoated) and coated hazelnuts were stored in plastic containers and evaluated at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 16 weeks for weight loss, moisture content, hardness, color, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH*) scavenging activity, acid and peroxide values, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) level. Coated hazelnuts showed higher initial moisture content (8.17%), stabilizing at 4.80% after one week, compared to 3.35% in uncoated samples. This increased moisture led to greater storage-related weight loss. The coating darkened the nuts and reduced their yellow hue. It had no significant effect on hardness, peroxide value, or TBARS index, but notably enhanced the antiradical potential. After 16 weeks, coated nuts had an acid value ~10 mg KOH/g lower than the control. In conclusion, the coating improved antioxidant capacity and reduced hydrolytic, but not oxidative, rancidity in hazelnuts. Therefore, further optimization of the coating formulation or application method is necessary to more effectively improve the shelf life of hazelnuts. Full article

Tanacetum balsamita L. is a medicinal and aromatic plant of high economic value, yet its tissue culture and micropropagation protocols remain poorly developed. This study evaluated and compared two in vitro culture systems, semisolid medium (SS) and Temporary Immersion System (TIS), for enhancing biomass production and growth performance, in terms of relative growth rate (RGR), photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll content, antiradical capacity, and anatomical development. The results demonstrated that the TIS significantly improved RGR, photosynthetic performance, and antiradical activity, and promoted the anatomical development that facilitated greenhouse acclimatization. Machine learning (ML) models, including Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Random Forest (RF), were employed to predict morphological and biochemical traits. MLP achieved the highest predictive accuracy (R² > 0.95) and lowest error metrics for complex, nonlinear traits such as chlorophyll content and antiradical activity, whereas RF excelled in predicting morphological traits with more uniform variance, such as leaf number and shoot length. Overall, this study demonstrates that the TIS provides a high-yield, economically crucial strategy for the micropropagation of T. balsamita, and that integrating ML-based predictive modeling can enhance parameter optimization and phenotyping precision. This combined approach offers a valuable framework for advancing tissue culture research in medicinal and aromatic plants through both production efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Full article