Search Results (407)

Acerola (Malpighia emarginata DC.) is one of the richest natural sources of vitamin C and an important source of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and bioactive polysaccharides. Although the fruit can be consumed fresh, it is more commonly processed into juices and frozen pulp, generating substantial amounts of by-products (pomace, peels, and seeds), corresponding to approximately 20–60% of the fruit biomass, with high phytochemical content. These fractions represent underutilized sources of bioactive compounds. This narrative review, supported by a structured literature search, integrates evidence on the phytochemical composition of acerola pulp and its by-products and relates these profiles to biological effects in experimental and human studies, focusing on compound characterization, composition–function relationships, and underlying mechanisms. Key compounds, including ascorbic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, are associated with the modulation of redox homeostasis, inflammatory signaling, and lipid metabolism, particularly under high-fat dietary conditions. Human evidence remains limited but suggests matrix-dependent effects on vitamin C bioavailability and selected cardiometabolic markers. Overall, the evidence is constrained by methodological heterogeneity, limited clinical data, and insufficient characterization of bioactive fractions. Future research should prioritize detailed phytochemical profiling, dose–response relationships, bioavailability assessment, and well-controlled clinical trials incorporating molecular biomarkers, supporting the development of acerola-derived matrices as functional and bioactive-rich ingredients. Full article

Ascorbic acid (AA) or vitamin C is an important biomolecule that plays a crucial role in biological and physiological systems. Deficiency and/or excess of AA in the body can lead to severe diseases such as scurvy and gastrointestinal complications. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the levels of AA in the body and supplements. Polyvinylpyrrolidone nickel oxide nanoparticles (PVP-NiONPs) are prepared and evaluated for their potential as nanozymes with peroxidase-like activity. o-Phenylenediamine (OPD) was used as a chromogen in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The oxidized OPD was produced by ROS from PVP-NiONPs and H₂O₂. This was monitored using UV-vis spectra and by colour changes using the naked eye. AA reduced the oxidized OPD during its sensing. The UV-vis signal was linear for AA concentrations ranging from 40 µM to 400 μM. The limit of detection (LOD) for AA was calculated to be 0.11 μM using 3σ and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.36 μM using 10σ indicating a very high sensitivity. The colorimetric sensor showed good reproducibility and a recovery rate between 92.3% and 102.6%, indicating high accuracy and reliability. The findings of this work confirmed that PVP-NiONPs possess enzyme-like activity and are a promising alternative for the quantitative, on-site detection of ascorbic acid. Full article

Background: Electrochemotherapy enhances the intracellular delivery of anticancer agents through electroporation but is traditionally limited to cytotoxic drugs associated with significant side effects. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) exhibits selective anticancer activity when accumulated at high intracellular concentrations; however, its therapeutic application is restricted by poor membrane permeability and rapid systemic clearance. Methods: In this study, we investigated whether reversible electroporation, applied using a custom-designed variable plate electrode system designed to deliver a uniform electric field, could potentiate the antitumor efficacy of low-dose vitamin C. Numerical simulations were performed to optimize electrode spacing and stimulation voltage, suggesting homogeneous electric field coverage throughout the tumor volume. The proposed approach was evaluated in vitro using MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines and in vivo in a 4T1 murine breast cancer model. Results: Low-dose vitamin C alone produced minimal cytotoxic effects, whereas its combination with electroporation significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptotic and necrotic cell death in vitro. In vivo, vitamin C–assisted electrochemotherapy resulted in pronounced tumor growth suppression, with tumor volumes reduced to approximately 0.34-fold of baseline by day 15, accompanied by decreased proliferation and marked tissue disruption. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that uniform-field reversible electroporation markedly enhances the intracellular delivery and antitumor activity of low-dose vitamin C, supporting this technology-driven strategy as a promising, low-toxicity alternative to conventional chemotherapeutic agents in electrochemotherapy for solid tumors. Full article

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays a pivotal role in forming blood vessels, cartilage, muscles, and collagen in bones. We report a 6-year-old non-verbal female with global developmental delay who presented with complaints of lower limb pain and inability to bear weight. Symptoms started five weeks prior to presentation and had progressed from decreased activity to complete loss of weight-bearing. Physical examination showed gingival hyperplasia, perifollicular petechiae, lower limb edema, and corkscrew hair. Initial radiologic findings raised concerns of osteomyelitis, showing bone marrow edema, periosteal reaction, and cortical irregularity. However, correlation with dietary history limited to flavored milk and yogurt and lacking fruits and vegetables, in conjunction with clinical presentation, suggested vitamin C deficiency, and she was started on ascorbic acid. Vitamin C deficiency was later confirmed on day 7 by a low C deficiency level (<0.1 mg/dL). Treatment with ascorbic acid, multivitamins, and supportive therapy led to gradual recovery, and gastrostomy tube placement facilitated supplementation. This case highlights the importance of detailed dietary history and recognition of clinical signs of vitamin C deficiency. Early dietary assessment and clinical correlation can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Early identification enables timely intervention, reducing morbidity and improving quality of life. Full article

Background and clinical significance: Scurvy, resulting from vitamin C deficiency, is rare in the 21st century, particularly in high-income settings. Its nonspecific presentation and ability to mimic a wide range of conditions make diagnosis incredibly challenging. Pseudovasculitic petechial lesions of the lower limbs may be misdiagnosed as systemic vasculitis, often leading to extensive investigations and delayed treatment. Case presentation: We report the case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with progressive lower limb pain, swelling, and vasculitis-like petechial rash with ecchymoses. Extensive investigations for autoimmune, infectious, malignant, and vascular causes, including skin biopsy, were unremarkable. A detailed dietary history revealed markedly restrictive intake. Characteristic dermatological findings, including perifollicular haemorrhage, ecchymoses and hair shaft abnormalities, raised suspicion for scurvy. Profoundly reduced serum ascorbic acid levels confirmed vitamin C deficiency. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of thorough dietary assessment, recognition of characteristic cutaneous features, and identification of risk factors such as restrictive eating patterns or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. It underscores the need for a high index of clinical suspicion for scurvy, even in contemporary high-income settings. Early diagnosis and vitamin C supplementation can result in rapid clinical improvement and prevent avoidable morbidity. Full article

Foliar nanofertilization is increasingly being explored as a strategy to enhance crop nutritional quality; however, dose-dependent physiological and metabolic responses remain insufficiently defined. This study evaluated the effects of conventional NPK (20:20:20) and nano-formulated NPK combined with zinc (3 and 5 g/L) on the mineral composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and metabolic profile of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L., cv. ‘Dora’) grown under controlled conditions. Physicochemical characterization of the nanofertilizer by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy confirmed nanoscale primary particle size and revealed concentration-dependent aggregation behavior at higher Zn levels. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among treatments in macro- and microelement content, total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity. The application of nano NPK combined with 3 g/L Zn resulted in the highest accumulation of total phenolics, flavonoids, and vitamin C, accompanied by enhanced antioxidant capacity, suggesting stimulation of secondary metabolism. In contrast, the higher Zn concentration (5 g/L) further increased carotenoid content but was associated with elevated proline levels, indicating the onset of physiological stress. Multivariate analyses (PCA and ROC) supported dose-dependent metabolic modulation and confirmed that combinations of selected metabolites contributed to clearer differentiation between fertilization regimes. Overall, the results highlight the existence of an optimal nano-zinc application range that enhances fruit functional quality while avoiding stress-related metabolic imbalance, emphasizing the importance of physicochemical stability in nano-enabled fertilization strategies. While this study focused on a single sweet pepper cultivar, future research should explore other pepper species to evaluate whether similar dose-dependent nano Zn effects are observed. Full article

This four-year study assessed the nutritional profiles of fermented Chamerion angustifolium leaves from natural, organic, and biodynamic cultivation systems. Vitamins, pigments, and sugars were analyzed under standardized aerobic solid-state fermentation (SSF) for 24 and 48 h. Biodynamically grown leaves showed 42.7% and 49.7% higher β-carotene levels than organically and naturally grown leaves, while naturally grown leaves accumulated the most chlorophylls and total sugars. Organic cultivation promoted the highest vitamin C and L-ascorbic acid concentrations. Prolonged fermentation (48 h) significantly enhanced vitamin C (18.48%) and L-ascorbic acid (16.50%) only in naturally grown leaves. These findings demonstrate consistent cultivation-dependent nutritional trends and highlight the functional potential of fireweed leaves as bioactive ingredient carriers for functional foods, with applications in dairy products, beverages, and dietary supplements. Full article

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is a major constraint on global soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) production, causing substantial economic losses worldwide. Despite these losses, the potential of resistance genes as a solution remains largely unexplored. In this study, the COPPER CHAPERONE FOR SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE (GmCCS) was initially employed as a bait to screen the soybean cDNA library, leading to the identification of a protein homologous to Arabidopsis thaliana COP9 signalosome complex subunit 5B (AtCSN5B), designated as GmCSN5B. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed differential expression of GmCSN5B in the SMV-resistant (Qihuang No.1, QH) and susceptible (Nannong 1138-2, NN) variety following SMV-SC3 strain inoculation. Knockdown of GmCSN5B via Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV)-induced gene silencing (VIGS) significantly enhanced SMV resistance compared to control plants. This work further demonstrated that GmCSN5B can interact with the downstream GmVTC1 protein, which was potentially associated with ascorbic acid (AsA; Vitamin C) synthesis. Moreover, GmVTC1 also responded to SMV infection, and its knockdown led to a reduction in endogenous AsA levels within the host, thereby compromising the plant’s resistance to SMV. Together, these findings suggest that the GmCCS-GmCSN5B-GmVTC1 pathway in soybean modulates host resistance to SMV through the regulation of AsA synthesis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Syringa vulgaris L. (common lilac) is one of the most popular ornamental plant species. Through the ages, many parts of S. vulgaris, including fruits, flowers, leaves, and branches, have been used in folk medicine due to their beneficial biological activity. Lilac flowers are the basis of many supplements available on the market. Moreover, its petals and flowers are edible and are an aromatic ingredient in preserves and desserts. However, the data about the antioxidant properties of various parts of S. vulgaris is limited only to the in vitro antioxidant capacity of the extracts—so far, the effect of S. vulgaris flower extract on the parameters of oxidative stress in biological materials, including plasma, has not been demonstrated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the protective effects of the extract from S. vulgaris L. flowers against oxidative stress in human plasma, and its influence on the coagulation process in vitro. Methods: We measured the levels of three parameters of oxidative stress in human plasma treated with H₂O₂/Fe²⁺ (the donor of hydroxyl radicals): lipid peroxidation (based on the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), protein carbonylation, and thiol oxidation. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was used as a reference antioxidant. In addition, we studied the effect of the extract on three coagulation parameters of human plasma-activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and thrombin time (TT). We also compared the biological properties of the extract from S. vulgaris flowers with the properties of a phenolic extract from Taraxacum officinalis (dandelion) flowers, as they have proven antioxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo models and can modulate hemostasis in vitro. Results: Our UHPLC-HRMS analyses of S. vulgaris extract led to a tentative identification of 50 compounds, mainly phenolics and secoiridoids. For the first time, the present study demonstrated that the extract from S. vulgaris flowers (at the concentrations of 1–50 µg/mL) significantly reduced plasma lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation induced by H₂O₂/Fe²⁺. Moreover, the concentrations of 1–25 µg/mL significantly reduced the oxidation of thiol groups in plasma treated with H₂O₂/Fe²⁺. The anticoagulant tests also demonstrated that S. vulgaris flowers extract, at physiologically relevant concentrations (1–50 µg/mL), did not affect blood clotting times in vitro, suggesting that it is hemostatically safe. Conclusions: Despite the differences in composition, the extracts from lilac flowers and dandelion flowers exhibited similar protective effects against oxidative damage to human plasma components. However, the extract from S. vulgaris flowers had a stronger inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation than the extract from dandelion flowers. Full article

Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RR) and Rosa kweichonensis var. sterilis (RS) are both edible medicinal plants. However, they are often confused due to their similar phenotypic characteristics, which may limit their targeted development and utilization. Here, we integrated targeted metabolomics (UPLC-MS/MS) and transcriptomics (Illumina HiSeq) to systematically dissect the metabolic and transcriptional differences between the two species. Metabolomic profiling identified 558 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), defined as metabolites with significantly different abundance between RS and RR, predominantly classified as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Among these, vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) and argininosuccinic acid were prioritized as key DAMs based on their significant fold changes, high abundance, and functional relevance to bioactivity and stress tolerance. Transcriptomic analysis further revealed that vitamin C synthesis is primarily driven by the coordinated up-regulation of USP and GME genes in the L-ascorbic acid metabolic pathway, while argininosuccinic acid production, as an intermediate in the urea cycle, is mainly mediated by the up-regulated glnA gene. These findings not only clarify the molecular basis of metabolic divergence between RR and RS but also provide potential biomarkers for their identification, laying a solid foundation for their development as distinct functional foods. Full article

Background: Patients undergoing hemodialysis commonly exhibit deficiencies in water-soluble vitamins, primarily as a result of inadequate dietary intake and loss into the dialysate. Given the essential role of vitamin C in numerous metabolic pathways, routine supplementation has been proposed as a potentially beneficial intervention in this population. Aim: We aimed to evaluate the current evidence on vitamin C supplementation in patients undergoing hemodialysis, with particular attention to clinical conditions associated with renal replacement therapy, including anemia, chronic inflammation, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The MEDLINE (via PubMed) and EMBASE databases were searched. The initial search yielded 844 articles, of which 37 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Results: Evidence indicates that hemodialysis patients exhibit vitamin C deficiency, both in dietary intake and in plasma or serum concentrations. Despite its intrinsic antioxidant properties and proposed anti-inflammatory effects, vitamin C supplementation has demonstrated inconsistent effects on inflammatory markers. Most clinical studies support a beneficial role of vitamin C supplementation in functional iron deficiency and in alleviating symptoms of RLS within this population. Conclusions: Evidence on vitamin C supplementation for functional iron deficiency and RLS suggests that it might be an effective therapeutic approach. However, despite low serum vitamin C level in hemodialysis patients, current data does not justify the routine use of vitamin C in the hemodialyzed population for other comorbidities, including chronic inflammation and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Further high-quality studies are required to establish the broader clinical utility of targeted vitamin C supplementation. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of protein-based (zein) and polysaccharide-based (carboxymethylcellulose, CMC) edible coatings and citric acid (CA) applied prior to freeze-drying on the quality parameters of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) slices from ‘Albik’ and ‘Rubik’ cultivars. Freeze-drying increased inulin extraction efficiency (57–61 g 100 g⁻¹ vs. 44–45 g 100 g⁻¹ in fresh samples). In the ‘Albik’ cv., CMC and CA coatings significantly minimized L-ascorbic acid losses, with a 10–20% reduction vs. control. For the same cultivar, enhanced polyphenol retention was observed (up to 13%) when CA coating was applied, while the use of zein reduced vitamin C content in both cultivars. Sensory analysis (PCA, 92.4% variance) revealed that CMC improved appearance, texture, and overall acceptability, while zein imparted an off-taste, odor, and fragility. Image texture analysis showed elevated parameters (e.g., HMean) post freeze-drying, with CA inducing the greatest structural changes and zein yielding samples most similar to raw material. Machine learning classification (quadratic/linear SVM, 10-fold CV) achieved 91.5% (‘Albik’) and 81.9% (‘Rubik’) accuracy, perfectly distinguishing raw slices (100%). These findings demonstrate that CMC and CA coatings optimize bioactive retention, sensory quality, and textural differentiation in freeze-dried Jerusalem artichoke, supporting their application in functional food production. Full article

Flavonoids and vitamin C are two of the most extensively studied dietary bioactive compounds, with growing evidence supporting their roles in the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, thrombosis, and cancer progression. Flavonoids, a diverse subclass of polyphenols, exhibit promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, their clinical translation is frequently hindered by poor solubility, limited stability, and low bioavailability. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), a well-known established antioxidant that can also exert pro-oxidant effects at pharmacological concentrations, demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, immune-modulatory, and endothelial-protective activities across various experimental and clinical disease models. Recent studies have highlighted a promising synergistic interaction between flavonoids and vitamin C, wherein flavonoids enhance the stability, recycling, and intestinal absorption of vitamin C, while vitamin C augments the antioxidant capacity and cellular bioactivity of flavonoids. This review critically summarizes current evidence regarding the independent and combined effects of flavonoids and vitamin C, with particular emphasis on their roles in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation-related complications. Key molecular mechanisms, including redox signaling modulation, inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways, and regulation of thrombosis- and angiogenesis-related processes, are discussed. Furthermore, therapeutic opportunities, limitations, and challenges related to bioavailability, dosing strategies, and clinical translation are addressed. Understanding the synergistic actions of flavonoids and vitamin C may provide valuable insights for the development of novel nutraceutical formulations or adjuvant therapeutic approaches in chronic and inflammation-driven diseases. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Scurvy, caused by chronic vitamin C deficiency, is re-emerging in Western countries, particularly among pediatric patients with highly selective diets. While its musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous manifestations are well-known, its association with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is rare and poorly understood. Ascorbic acid and iron are essential cofactors for prolyl hydroxylases (PHD), which regulate Hypoxia-Inducible Factors. Their combined deficiency may trigger a “pseudohypoxic” state, leading to pulmonary vascular remodeling and vasoconstriction. Case Presentation: A 30-month-old female presented with a one-month history of limping, lower limb pain, and gingival hypertrophy. Dietary history revealed an almost exclusive cow’s milk-based intake. Physical examination showed diffuse petechiae, pallor, and right knee edema. Laboratory findings confirmed scurvy (undetectable vitamin C), severe iron-deficiency anemia (Hb: 72 g/L; ferritin: 22 mcg/L; RDW: 30%), folate deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia. Notably, elevated copper and vitamin B12 levels suggested a state of metabolic dysregulation. Echocardiography revealed moderate PAH phenotype (estimated sPAP: 47–50 mmHg) and a hyperdynamic contractility. A “perfect storm” mechanism was hypothesized, involving iron–ascorbate-dependent PHD impairment, high-output state, and oxidative-stress-induced hepcidin dysregulation (suggested by elevated copper). Following intravenous vitamin C and multivitamin supplementation, pulmonary pressures normalized within one week. Conclusions: PAH phenotype in scurvy represents a reversible metabolic disruption of pulmonary vascular tone rather than a structural disease. This case underscores the synergistic role of vitamin C, iron, and folate in vascular homeostasis. Clinicians should maintain high suspicion for scurvy in children with selective diets and unexplained PAH, as nutritional restoration is curative. Full article

The demand for high-quality agricultural products is increasing; however, this requirement is becoming increasingly challenging due to the effects of climate change, which can cause abiotic stress. In this research, we studied the performance of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa var. ‘Hayward’) 60 days after storage for two different cultivation periods, in which a glycine betaine biostimulant (GB) was applied to the kiwi trees via irrigation under field conditions. Postharvest analysis was performed by measuring the fresh and dry weight of the kiwifruit, the soluble solids content, and titratable acidity. To assess the antioxidant traits of the kiwifruit, DPPH and ascorbic acid contents were recorded. Data analysis revealed that the GB treatment proved beneficial for kiwifruit during storage, enhancing their antioxidant capacity as indicated by their higher ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) compared to the control. This qualitative difference may benefit the commercial requirements of kiwifruit cultivation under the abiotic conditions of climate change, which prompts us to further investigate the application of amino acid biostimulants. This research complements the existing literature on the implementation of biostimulants, as reports regarding their application in kiwifruit cultivation are limited, and provides an optional solution for meeting the commercial needs of kiwifruit cultivation and improving the adaptability of kiwifruit cultivation under abiotic stress conditions. Full article