Search Results (951)

(1) Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease with a rising global prevalence. Mulberry leaf (ML), a traditional medicinal and edible plant, possesses notable hypoglycemic effects and has a long history of usage. This review aims to systematically consolidate the research progress on the hypoglycemic constituents derived from ML, including their chemical structure, extraction methods, quality analysis techniques, and hypoglycemic mechanisms. (2) Methods: Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA 2020) guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using Web of Science and PubMed databases to find relevant studies published between 2015 and 2025. (3) Results: This review evaluates both conventional and modern techniques such as water extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), highlighting their advantages and limitations when applied on ML. Additionally, this review examines the analytical techniques applied in the quality control of ML and its constituents. This is complemented by a summary of hypoglycemic mechanisms, focusing on the inhibition of oxidative stress, amelioration of insulin resistance, regulation of related enzyme activity, and modulation of gut microbiota. (4) Conclusions: ML demonstrates considerable potential for treating diabetes. However, further studies are needed for new drug discovery based on new ML-derived bioactive constituents, highly efficient extraction methods, quality analysis techniques, and underlying mechanisms. Full article

The pharmacological effects of ginger extract from Zingiber officinale Roscoe are well-established; however, more refined extraction methods for higher-quality yields are needed. This study isolated and evaluated 6-, 8-, and 10-shogaol and 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerol from ginger extract, assessing their effects on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). To ensure safety, non-toxic concentrations were determined for pancreatic β-cells. Both non-processed and microwave-processed ginger extracts enhanced GSIS, with microwave-treated extracts exhibiting the strongest effect. Specifically, the microwave-processed ginger extract increased the glucose stimulation index (GSI) to 12.4 ± 0.4 at 5 μg/mL, compared to a GSI of 7.7 ± 0.2 observed for the non-processed ginger extract. Notably, fraction F4 of the microwave-processed extract demonstrated superior GSIS activity. In contrast, steam-processed ginger extract induced only a modest increase in GSI under limited exposure conditions. Furthermore, 6-shogaol emerged as a key compound, correlating with increased expression of proteins crucial for pancreatic β-cell regulation. Microwave-assisted processing notably altered the content and proportion of shogaols and gingerols, significantly impacting GSIS activity. These findings underscore the importance of extraction methods in enhancing ginger’s pharmacological potential in regulating insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. Full article

The valorization of shrimp shell waste is crucial for promoting sustainability and a circular economy. This study aimed to extract chitin from the exoskeletal residues of deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) sourced from the Marmara Sea and synthesize low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWC) via conventional, microwave-, and autoclave-assisted deacetylation pathways. The shell biomass was subjected to sequential demineralization (1 M HCl) and deproteinization (1 M NaOH), yielding 14.42% chitin. The extracted chitin was then converted to LMWC using the three methods, and the products were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy, titration, viscometry, SEM, and TGA. The results demonstrated that the autoclave-assisted method achieved the highest degree of deacetylation (DD) at 95%, significantly outperforming the conventional method (81%) and the microwave-assisted method (67%). The autoclave-synthesized chitosan also exhibited the lowest viscosity (33 cP), confirming its low molecular weight. Morphological analysis showed that chitin exhibited a well-defined fibrous structure. After deacetylation, this structure transformed into a rough and porous surface morphology. Thermal analysis further demonstrated that the laboratory-synthesized chitosan exhibited higher thermal stability than the commercial chitosan sample. In conclusion, the autoclave-assisted method proved to be highly efficient for producing low-molecular-weight chitosan with a high degree of deacetylation. However, the conventional method remains the most practical option for scalable industrial production due to its simplicity and well-established infrastructure. Moreover, the laboratory-synthesized chitosan exhibited higher thermal stability, increased porosity, and a higher degree of deacetylation compared to commercially available chitosan, which may offer functional advantages in applications requiring enhanced reactivity, solubility, or thermal resistance. Overall, the findings provide valuable insights into selecting appropriate deacetylation strategies for producing low-molecular-weight chitosan with tailored properties, thereby bridging the gap between laboratory-scale synthesis and potential industrial applications. Full article

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) cultivation generates a substantial number of byproducts, particularly nutshells, which are often discarded despite being rich in bioactive and structural compounds. These agro-industrial residues, comprising nearly 50% of the total nut mass, contain high levels of phenolics, flavonoids, dietary fiber, and lignocellulosic matter, making them suitable for circular economy applications. This review critically evaluates the potential of pecan shell waste for value-added applications in environmental remediation, food and pharmaceutical formulations, and green materials production. It explores innovative green extraction techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, and subcritical water extraction, to recover valuable compounds like ellagic acid and tannins with high efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Moreover, the review highlights the conversion of pecan shells into activated carbon for wastewater treatment and soil remediation. Pecan byproducts have been used as sustainable feedstocks for catalyst support, contributing to energy conversion and biomass catalysis. The bioactive compounds also offer therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects, supporting their inclusion in nutraceutical and cosmetic applications. Through a comprehensive synthesis of recent studies, this work highlights the role of pecan shell valorization in reducing waste, improving public health, and increasing economic resilience within agro-industrial systems. By aligning with sustainable development and circular economies, the utilization of pecan byproducts provides a low-cost, eco-innovative pathway to mitigate environmental pollution and promote sustainable development. Full article

This study investigates how fermentation of milk thistle seeds (MTSs) by Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, alone or with Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, affects phenolic compounds content and bioactivity of the resulting extracts. Microwave-assisted extraction parameters were optimized for maximal yield and validated for scale-up. The extracts were analyzed for total phenolic compounds (TPCs), total flavonoid compounds (TFCs), and bioactivities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic effects. Optimal extraction conditions were 70% ethanol, liquid to solid (L/S) ratio 30 mL/g, 180 W power, and 3 min duration, enabling energy-efficient recovery of antioxidants with higher yields than previously reported. Solid-state fermentation with S. boulardii significantly enhanced extraction efficiency, doubling TPC (647.6 ± 24.4 mg GAE/g dm) and TFC (87.04 ± 6.88 mg QE/g dm) contents, and antioxidant capacity (4.27 ± 0.19 mmol Fe²⁺/g dm) compared to non-fermented MTSs. Fermented extracts fully inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and partially Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. They also promoted the growth of probiotics such as S. boulardii and lactic acid bacteria strains, while non-fermented extracts showed opposite effects. These findings highlight the potential of MTS fermentation as a sustainable strategy to enhance bioactive compound yield and develop functional supplements that support human and animal health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The essential oils of Abies species possess a complex chemical composition and pronounced biological activity. However, comparative studies of interspecies differences and on the influence of extraction methods on their chemical profile and pharmacological properties are limited. Such data are necessary for identifying the most promising species and optimizing essential oil production technologies for pharmaceutical applications. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the essential oils of seven Abies species obtained by steam distillation and to analyze the effects of three extraction methods on the chemical and biological characteristics of Abies sibirica L. oil. Methods: The essential oils of seven Abies species were isolated by steam distillation. For A. sibirica, supercritical CO₂ extraction and microwave-assisted steam distillation (MASD) were additionally used. Chemical composition was determined by GC-MS. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, PCA and hierarchical cluster modeling, and non-parametric tests. Antifungal activity was assessed against Candida albicans, and antiradical activity was assessed using densitometric analysis. Results: GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in chemical composition between species and extraction methods. The main compounds were bornyl acetate, α-pinene, and camphene. ANOVA revealed significant differences in bornyl acetate and β-pinene content between species (p < 0.001) and methods (p < 0.01). PCA and clustering identified a bornyl acetate-rich chemotype (A. sibirica, A. grandis, A. lowiana). A. sibirica oil, obtained by MASD, exhibited high antifungal activity (82% inhibition), similar to that of 5-flucytosine (95%). Antiradical activity correlated with monoterpenes corresponding to peaks 2 and 7 of the densitogram. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the species and extraction method significantly determine the chemical profile and biological properties of Abies oils. A. sibirica oil, obtained by MASD, demonstrated the highest activity, highlighting its potential as a source of biologically active compounds. Full article

This study focuses on the optimization of modern extraction techniques for selected by-product materials, including apple, lemon, and tangerine peels, and onion skins, using artificial neural network (ANN) models. The extraction methods included ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with water as the extractant, as well as maceration (MAC) with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). Key parameters, such as total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities, including reducing power (EC₅₀) and free radical scavenging capacity (IC₅₀), were evaluated to compare the efficiency of each method. Among the techniques, UAE outperformed both MAE and MAC in extracting bioactive compounds, especially from onion skins and tangerine peels, as reflected in the highest TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. UAE of onion skins showed the best performance, yielding the highest TPC (5.735 ± 0.558 mg CAE/g) and TFC (1.973 ± 0.112 mg RE/g), along with the strongest antioxidant activity (EC₅₀ = 0.549 ± 0.076 mg/mL; IC₅₀ = 0.108 ± 0.049 mg/mL). Tangerine peel extracts obtained by UAE also exhibited high phenolic content (TPC up to 5.399 ± 0.325 mg CAE/g) and strong radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 0.118 ± 0.099 mg/mL). ANN models using multilayer perceptron architectures with high coefficients of determination (r² > 0.96) were developed to predict and optimize the extraction results. Sensitivity and error analyses confirmed the robustness of the models and emphasized the influence of the extraction technique and by-product type on the antioxidant parameters. Principal component and cluster analyses showed clear grouping patterns by extraction method, with UAE and MAE showing similar performance profiles. Overall, these results underline the potential of UAE- and ANN-based modeling for the optimal utilization of agricultural by-products. Full article

This study conducted a comprehensive comparison of two green extraction methods, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), for recovering bioactive phenolic compounds from Pinus pinaster bark. The goal was to valorize timber industry waste and enhance the value of by-products through the development of eco-friendly processes to extract phenolic compounds from Pinus pinaster Aiton subsp. atlantica in northwest Portugal. MAE achieved significantly higher extraction yields than UAE (11.13 vs. 3.47 g extract/100 g bark) and superior total phenolic content (833 vs. 514 mg GAE/g). MAE extracts also exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity in most assays tested (DPPH, ABTS, ORAC, and OxHLIA), while both extracts effectively inhibited lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and showed activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Phenolic profile analysis revealed that MAE recovered a substantially higher amount of total phenolic compounds (230.0 mg/g) compared to UAE (86.95 mg/g), with procyanidins identified as the predominant compounds. The greater recovery of this complex procyanidin mixture by MAE is strongly associated with the enhanced bioactivities observed. Overall, this study confirms MAE as a highly efficient and sustainable technology for transforming pine bark waste into valuable antioxidant and antimicrobial extracts with potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Mulberry (Morus nigra Aussie) leaves have traditionally been used in silkworm rearing and as herbal remedies, yet their extracts have recently gained prominence in functional foods due to their rich phenolic composition and associated health benefits, including antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer effects. Because extraction techniques strongly influence phenolic yields, this study optimized the extraction conditions for conventional, ultrasonic-assisted, and microwave-assisted methods using response surface methodology (RSM). Three independent factors—extraction temperature/power, extraction time, and solvent concentration (ethanol–water mixture, % v/v)—were evaluated for their effects on total phenolic content. The optimum conditions were identified as 60 °C, 60 min, and 56% ethanol for the conventional method; 60 °C, 45 min, and 71% ethanol for the ultrasonic-assisted method; and 471 W, 6 min, and 51% ethanol for the microwave-assisted method. At these optima, the total phenolic contents (TPCs) were 876 mg/kg (conventional), 820 mg/kg (ultrasonic-assisted), and 319 mg/kg (microwave-assisted) on a dry-leaf basis. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction produced phenolic yields comparable to those obtained by the conventional method. Therefore, its potential anticancer activity was assessed using Caco-2 cells. However, the extract inhibited cell viability of only 12% after 24 h, indicating no significant anticancer effect (cell viability remained >70%). These findings highlight optimized green extraction conditions for mulberry leaves while demonstrating that the ultrasonic-assisted extract lacks anticancer activity under the tested conditions. Full article

The global population is rising sharply and is expected to be 10 billion by 2050. Nutrition security, especially protein, is a major concern, as it is one of the essential ingredients for body growth. However, consumption of meat is unsustainable, as the use of natural resources and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are relatively high compared to plant-based protein sources. Aquatic plants like duckweed, Azolla, and water spinach, as well as macroalgae and microalgae, contain good amounts of protein, ranging from 25% to 60% dry weight (DW) and comprising major essential amino acids (EAAs). These plants are rich in vitamins and minerals and possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-fatigue properties. In addition, green food processing (GFP) technologies minimize the antinutritional factors, which in turn increase the bioaccessibility and biodigestibility of aquatic plants. Fermentation is one of the oldest known GFP methods. Recent advances include high-pressure processing, pulsed electric field, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extraction, which are among the most promising techniques. Hence, government initiatives, as well as research and private sector collaboration for cultivation, processing, and advocating for such nutrient-dense food, are necessary. This will ensure sustainable production and consumption. Full article

This study evaluated the efficacy of an environmentally friendly degreasing agent formulated from orange peel extract as both a cleaning agent and corrosion inhibitor for surgical instruments manufactured from 316LVM stainless steel. The extract was obtained via microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and subsequently blended with biodegradable surfactants. Its performance was compared against a benchmark commercial cleaner (West Oxyclean^®) through Tafel polarization, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of terpenic compounds, predominantly limonene, alongside ethers, alcohols, and unsaturated structure characteristics of citrus essential oils. Polarization and EIS results showed that the formulation containing 0.12% extract exhibited the highest charge-transfer resistance and the lowest corrosion current density (0.093 μA/cm²), achieving an inhibition efficiency of 81.29%, whereas the 0.08% formulation showed greater corrosive response than the commercial cleaner. SEM imaging demonstrated a progressive decline in both the severity and density of localized corrosion attacks with increasing extract concentration, while XRD diffractograms indicated a marked reduction in corrosion-product formation—completely absent at the optimal concentration. These findings demonstrate that orange peel extract functions as an effective and environmentally sustainable corrosion inhibitor, capable of preserving the structural and surface integrity of surgical-grade steel. Its technical performance, combined with its biodegradable profile, positions it as a promising alternative to conventional industrial cleaners within medical and hospital applications. Full article

This study systematically compared ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with five other methods (hot water extraction (HWE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), acid extraction (FTACP), alkali extraction (FTAIP), and enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE)) for their effects on the yield, physicochemical properties, and bioactivities of Rosa laevigata Michx. polysaccharides. The results demonstrated UAE’s superior performance: it achieved a higher polysaccharide yield (31.27%) than HWE, FTACP, and FTAIP, approaching that of MAE and EAE. SEM observation revealed that UAE-derived polysaccharides exhibited a uniform porous network with smooth surfaces and excellent dispersibility, outperforming the irregular aggregates or structural loosening observed in other methods. Notably, UAE polysaccharides showed remarkable cholesterol-binding capacity (31.18 mg/g) and FRAP reducing power (0.0423 mmol/g), which highlights their potential for functional food applications. Structural analyses (FT-IR, XRD, TGA) confirmed that UAE better preserved the native conformation and thermal stability of polysaccharides, whereas chemical (FTACP/FTAIP) and high-temperature (MAE) methods induced molecular degradation. In conclusion, UAE, as an eco-friendly and low-denaturation technique, offers an optimal strategy for the high-value utilization of R. laevigata polysaccharides. Full article

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is a Mediterranean staple food valued for its cultural heritage, gastronomic identity, nutritional profile, bioactivities, and socio-economic and environmental relevance. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on chestnut fruits and by-products, linking ecophysiology and genetic diversity to chemical composition and functionality. It summarizes the nutrient profile (high starch and dietary fiber; gluten-free; B vitamins; essential minerals; and favorable fatty acids) and the diversity of phytochemicals—particularly phenolic acids, flavonoids, and ellagitannins (e.g., castalagin and vescalagin)—that underpin antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, and metabolic effects demonstrated across in vitro, cellular, and in vivo models. We compare conventional and green extraction strategies (e.g., hydroethanolic, ultrasound-/microwave-assisted, and supercritical and subcritical water), highlighting method-dependent yields, composition, and bioactivity, and the valorization of shells, burs, and leaves within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Technological applications span functional foods (gluten-free flours, beverages, and emulsions), nutraceuticals, and cosmetics (skin-protective and regenerative formulations), and active packaging/biopolymers with antioxidant and antimicrobial performance. We discuss sources of variability (cultivar, environment, maturation, and processing) affecting bioactive content and efficacy, and outline future directions. Finally, this review emphasizes the importance of university-facilitated co-creation with companies and consumers—within the framework of Responsible Research and Innovation—as a pathway to strengthen the economic valorization and full utilization of the chestnut value chain, enhancing its societal relevance, sustainability, and health-promoting potential. Full article

Rare-earth oxide (REO) nanoparticles (NPs)—such as cerium (CeO₂), samarium (Sm₂O₃), neodymium (Nd₂O₃), terbium (Tb₄O₇), and praseodymium (Pr₂O₃)—have demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Their effectiveness is attributed to unique physicochemical properties, including oxygen vacancies and redox cycling, which facilitate the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage microbial membranes and biomolecules. Additionally, electrostatic interactions with microbial surfaces and sustained ion release contribute to membrane disruption and long-term antimicrobial effects. REOs also inhibit bacterial enzymes, DNA, and protein synthesis, providing broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal pathogens. However, dose-dependent cytotoxicity to mammalian cells—primarily due to excessive ROS generation—and nanoparticle aggregation in biological media remain challenges. Surface functionalization with polymers, peptides, or metal dopants (e.g., Ag, Zn, and Cu) can mitigate cytotoxicity and enhance selectivity. Scalable and sustainable synthesis remains a challenge due to high synthesis costs and scalability issues in industrial production. Green and biogenic routes using plant or microbial extracts can produce REOs at lower cost and with improved safety. Advanced continuous flow and microwave-assisted synthesis offer improved particle uniformity and production yields. Biomedical applications include antimicrobial coatings, wound dressings, and hybrid nanozyme systems for oxidative disinfection. However, comprehensive and intensive toxicological evaluations, along with regulatory frameworks, are required before clinical deployment. Full article

Salvia dumetorum Andrz. ex Besser is a promising non-pharmacopoeial plant species with traditional medicinal potential. This study aimed to determine the optimal microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions for obtaining a polyphenol-rich ethanolic extract from the S. dumetorum leaves. Dried and powdered leaves were extracted using 40% ethanol with different power of microwaves varying from 200 to 800 W and time of extraction 2–8 min. The extract was filtered, concentrated, and evaluated for yield, identification of phenolic compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC). Extraction yields ranged from 2.20% to 25.80% based on dry weight. TPC and TFC were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively, and are expressed as mg GAE/g and mg RUE/g of dry extract. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical) assay. According to HPLC analysis, the main phenolic components of the extracts were rosmarinic acid (1.78–2.95 mg/mL), chlorogenic acid (0.31–0.54 mg/mL), caffeic acid (0.11–0.20 mg/mL), rutin (up to 0.47 mg/mL) and ferulic acid (0.13–0.33 mg/mL); traces of myricetin were found only in isolated samples. The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 400 W microwave power, 8 min extraction time, one MAE cycle, and a 1:30 g/mL solvent-to-material loading ratio; TPC and TFC were evaluated as 35.23 ± 0.50 mg GAE/g DW and 19.94 ± 0.14 mg RuE/g DW, respectively, indicating the highest yield of polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant potential inhibiting 96.68% ± 0.27 of DPPH radicals, and IC₅₀ = 10.24 µg/mL. These findings highlight the efficiency of MAE in producing a bioactive ethanolic extract of S. dumetorum, which can be further explored for potential applications as a natural antioxidant in pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations. Full article