Search Results (4,598)

Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) fruits and their by-products represent valuable sources of bioactive compounds. This study compared fruits, juice, seeds, oil, and leaves with respect to their content of selected bioactive components, potential intestinal availability of polyphenols estimated by dialysis, and in vitro biological activities. Blackcurrant leaves contained several-fold higher levels of polyphenols in the dialyzable fraction (651.3 mg/100 g) than fruits (255.1 mg/100 g) and juice (261.4 mg/100 g). Seeds exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity among all matrices, reaching 13.3, 10.9 and 11.4 mmol Trolox/100 g in the ABTS, FRAP and ORAC assays, respectively. Hydrophilic fractions of juice and seeds showed notably stronger α-amylase inhibition (IC₅₀ < 0.01 mg/mL) than the antidiabetic drug acarbose (IC₅₀ = 0.35 mg/mL). Juice also demonstrated higher pancreatic lipase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.01 mg/mL) compared with Orlistat (IC₅₀ = 0.15 mg/mL) and effectively inhibited acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and 15-lipoxygenase (IC₅₀ = 0.11, 0.03, and 0.02 mg/mL, respectively). These results indicate that various blackcurrant matrices possess strong biological activity and may serve as promising functional food ingredients or sources of health-promoting compounds. Full article

While the spurge (Euphorbiaceae) family has played an important role in tocotrienol, tocopherol and other tocochromanol research history, the diversity of these fat-soluble antioxidants in the family remains little-studied. Therefore, seeds of 68 species and 13 genera from the Euphorbiaceae family were investigated. Some connection to taxonomic classification could be observed, but conclusions are severely limited by the number of biological replicates per species. The main tocochromanols were γ-tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol. However, some species had elevated δ-tocopherol content, e.g., Euphorbia marginata (35.88 mg 100 g⁻¹ dry weight–dw). The highest total tocotrienol content (50.96 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw) was observed in γ-tocotrienol-dominated Triadica cochinchinensis. The Mallotus genus was the richest in tocochromanols (up to 100.00 mg 100 g⁻¹ dw) and tocopherol-dominated. This demonstrates the variable dominance of tocopherols or tocotrienols across the family. Tocochromanols constitute the predominant lipophilic antioxidants within the unsaponifiable fraction of Euphorbiaceae seeds. This is consistent with a strong correlation (r = 0.975, p < 0.00001, n = 20) between tocochromanol content and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity. Tocochromanols contributed only a minor share of antioxidant activity in 96.2% (v/v) ethanolic extracts—below 10%, on average ~2% of the overall activity, depending on species, indicating that other ethanol-extractable phytochemicals have a higher effect on measured antioxidant potential. Full article

A chickpea-based milk beverage containing both plant and animal proteins represents an excellent substrate for the production of biologically active peptides through fermentation. Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) increases its nutritional value compared to the unfermented beverage while improving the digestibility and bioavailability of essential nutrients via proteolytic enzyme activity. This study investigated the production of bioactive peptides in fermented chickpea water extract using ten bacterial strains isolated from plant and animal sources. The proteolytic activity of each strain was quantified using the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) method, and the presence of proteolytic genes was confirmed via agarose gel electrophoresis. Peptides released during fermentation were identified through two-dimensional electrophoresis, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and tandem mass spectrometry. To predict the potential biological activities of the studied peptide sequences, a series of in silico analyses were performed using specialized bioinformatics tools. The identified peptides were predicted to exhibit antioxidant, аntihypertensive, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, antituberculosis, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities. Based on the results, L. fermentum SB-2 and L. sakei SD-8, were selected as promising candidates for bioactive peptide production in a chickpea water extract-based milk beverage and were subsequently applied in the beverage prototype. Full article

Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults and remains associated with poor prognosis despite multimodal treatment. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation and redox imbalance, has recently emerged as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in glioma. This review summarizes current knowledge on the molecular regulation of ferroptosis in glioma and discusses its implications for tumor progression, therapeutic resistance, and translational targeting. Methods: A structured narrative review of the literature was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Experimental, translational, and clinically relevant studies investigating ferroptosis-related mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in glioma and GBM were qualitatively analyzed. Results: Ferroptosis in glioma is regulated by interconnected pathways involving iron metabolism, phospholipid remodeling, oxidative stress, and antioxidant defense systems, particularly the SLC7A11–glutathione–GPX4 axis. Additional protective mechanisms mediated by FSP1 and DHODH, together with regulatory networks involving NRF2, ATF4, p53, and hypoxia-related signaling, contribute to adaptive resistance to ferroptosis. Increasing evidence indicates that ferroptosis interacts bidirectionally with the glioma tumor microenvironment and may exert both antitumor and immunosuppressive effects. Preclinical studies further suggest that ferroptosis induction may enhance the efficacy of temozolomide, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, although clinical translation remains limited by tumor heterogeneity, blood–brain barrier penetration, and resistance mechanisms. Conclusions: Ferroptosis represents a biologically plausible and therapeutically promising target in glioma. Improved understanding of ferroptosis regulation, tumor microenvironment interactions, and biomarker-guided therapeutic strategies may support the future development of more effective treatments for GBM. Full article

Coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde are precursors of lignin and are used in spices and the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, antioxidant, anticholinergic, antidiabetic, and antiglaucoma effects of coniferyl alcohol and aldehyde were evaluated and compared against the standards. To determine the antioxidant capacities of coniferyl alcohol and aldehyde, ABTS^•+, DMPD^•+ and DPPH^• scavenging abilities as well as cupric ion (Cu²⁺) reduction, ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) reduction and Fe³⁺-TPTZ reduction activities were studied. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbic acid, α-Tocopherol, Trolox, and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) were used as the standard antioxidants. When the antioxidant effects of coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde are compared to the standards, they exhibit significant antioxidant effects. In addition, it was determined that coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde had a high degree of inhibition effect towards carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and II isoforms purified from human erythrocytes, α-glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and α-amylase as in vitro and in silico. Molecular docking studies revealed favorable binding affinities of coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde toward all investigated enzymes, with key hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions identified at the active sites. The docking findings were found to be compatible with the in vitro enzyme inhibition results, supporting the proposed multi-target biological potential of both compounds. Molecular docking studies revealed favorable binding affinities of coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde toward all investigated enzymes. Key hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions were identified within the active sites, particularly for AChE and hCA II. The docking results were consistent with the in vitro enzyme inhibition data, supporting their multi-target biological potential. Docking demonstrated that both compounds can effectively interact with the catalytic regions of the target enzymes. The identified binding modes and interaction patterns support the observed inhibitory activities and provide a molecular basis for their multi-target biological effects. Full article

The genera Bombax and Pseudobombax (Malvaceae) are widely used in traditional medicine. This narrative review provides a hierarchical appraisal of their phytochemical and pharmacological profiles based on 35 studies, identifying 22 biological activities. A pronounced taxonomic bias was observed, with research heavily concentrated on Bombax ceiba, while other species, particularly within Pseudobombax, remain poorly explored. Hierarchical analysis indicates that Bombax reaches Level I evidence in metabolic and organ-protective activities, whereas Pseudobombax is largely limited to preliminary Levels II–III. Although antioxidant activity is the most frequently reported effect, it is predominantly supported by in vitro assays with limited physiological relevance. A morphological bias was also evident, with studies prioritizing stem bark and leaves over seeds and roots. Overall, the evidence reveals a significant translational gap, marked by the scarcity of pharmacokinetic data and mechanistic studies. Future research should prioritize standardized, mechanism-driven approaches and expand taxonomic coverage to advance the therapeutic potential of these genera. Full article

In Chile, Eucalyptus globulus stands out as a significant forest species, yielding around 2 million tonnes of bark; this by-product is a valuable source of phenolic compounds. This research evaluated the valorization of E. globulus bark using alkali-assisted extraction (AAE) and obtained extracts intended to protect the wood against fungal degradation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The chemical and thermal properties of the extracts were characterized using total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, FTIR spectroscopy, LC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS, and thermal analyses (TGA and DSC). Pine wood samples were impregnated using the Bethel process, and their absorption, retention, leaching, UV resistance, gloss, and antifungal efficacy were evaluated. The AAE showed an extraction yield of 8.79%, almost double that of aqueous extraction, with a phenolic content of 970 mg GAE/100 g dry bark and good antioxidant capacity. The MS/MS analysis tentatively identified low-molecular-weight organic acids, phenolic acids, a hydrolyzable tannin derivative, ellagic acid, methylated flavonol glycosides, and an iridoid non-phenolic metabolite. Thermal analysis indicated greater stability of the alkaline extracts, with a mass loss of less than 10% up to 200 °C, and significant degradation between 220 and 300 °C. Leaching tests showed a lower release of polyphenols from alkali-treated wood, indicating reduced mobility and/or greater retention of the extractives within the wood structure. Biological assays demonstrated effective inhibition of stain fungi and strong resistance to brown rot. Furthermore, UV aging tests showed less color change (Delta E*) and greater resistance to surface degradation. These results demonstrate the potential of alkaline extracts from E. globulus bark as sustainable additives for wood protection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gallic acid (GA) is a naturally occurring polyphenol with reported antioxidant and anticancer properties. This study investigated whether GA enhances carboplatin (CARB)-associated anticancer activity in HeLa cervical cancer cells through mechanisms related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and cell cycle dysregulation, while comparatively evaluating cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells. Methods: The effects of GA and CARB, individually and in combination, were evaluated using cell viability assays, apoptosis and cell cycle analyses, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements, N-acetylcysteine (NAC)-mediated rescue experiments, mitochondrial membrane potential assessment, reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), immunocytochemistry, and three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid models. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to explore pathways associated with the observed molecular responses. Results: The GA + CARB combination demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity and apoptotic activity in HeLa cells compared with either monotherapy, while exhibiting comparatively lower toxicity in HaCaT cells. Combination treatment increased intracellular ROS levels, whereas NAC pretreatment partially reversed ROS accumulation and cytotoxicity, supporting a contributory role of oxidative stress in treatment-associated responses. The combination also induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, increased G2/M arrest and SubG1 accumulation, and modulated apoptosis- and cell cycle-related gene expression. In 3D spheroid models, GA + CARB reduced spheroid growth and viability and disrupted spheroid integrity more effectively than single-agent treatments. Bioinformatic analyses identified interconnected pathways associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation. Conclusions: GA may enhance CARB-associated anticancer activity through mechanisms linked to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and cell cycle dysregulation. The incorporation of ROS/NAC rescue experiments and 3D spheroid validation further supports the biological relevance of the observed effects. Nevertheless, these findings remain preliminary and require confirmation in advanced in vivo and translational cervical cancer models. Full article

The genus Tamarix L. includes several species widely used in traditional medicine for their therapeutic properties. This study aims to evaluate the bioactive potential of Tamarix gallica extracts from Western Algeria using an integrated in vitro and in silico approach. GC–MS analysis with BSTFA derivatization was performed to characterize the chemical profile of the methanolic fraction. In addition, total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents were determined in methanolic extracts of leaves and stems. The biological activities were assessed using antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, β-carotene, FRAP, O-phenanthroline, and cupric reducing assays), antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anti-Alzheimer in vitro assays. Molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the inhibitory potential of selected flavonoids against α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase. Results revealed a rich metabolite profile dominated by long-chain aliphatic alcohols (including hentriacontan-12-ol), phytosterols (β-sitosterol), fatty acids, phenolic derivatives, and sugar alcohols. The extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 1.34 ± 0.43 and 12.32 ± 0.36 μg·mL⁻¹), significant antimicrobial effects against the tested pathogens, and notable antidiabetic and anticholinesterase activities (IC₅₀ = 78.65 ± 1.43 and 98.37 ± 1.07 μg·mL⁻¹). Molecular docking analysis supported these findings, showing strong binding affinities of quercetin and rhamnetin toward the target enzymes. Overall, T. gallica exhibits promising multifunctional bioactivities with potential pharmaceutical relevance. Full article

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health challenge characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Pithecellobium dulce root has long been recognized for its antidiabetic potential; however, its specific bioactive constituents and mechanisms of action remain poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and antioxidant properties of extracts and isolated molecules from P. dulce root bark. Methods: The DCM/MeOH crude extract of P. dulce root bark was fractionated with n-hexane (PDEH) and ethyl acetate (PDAE), followed by chromatographic purification and spectroscopic characterization, yielding seventeen compounds (1–17). The antioxidant activity (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) and antidiabetic potential of PDEH, PDAE, and 1–17 were assessed in vitro using yeast-derived enzymes and in silico (targeting human α-glucosidase [PDB: 2QLY] and human α-amylase [PDB: 4GQR]). The in vitro α-glucosidase experiments used saccharomyces cerevisiae enzyme, which varies from the human target. Therefore, these results should be taken as preliminary screening data that needs confirmation with human enzymes. Results: Compound 1 was identified as new, while 2 was isolated for the first time from a natural source. The cell-free chemical tests DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP measured antioxidant capability. These tests quantify radical-scavenging and electron-transfer capabilities in vitro and are preliminary chemical screening methods. They do not directly represent biological antioxidant activity in cells or organisms. PDEH demonstrated strong radical scavenging against DPPH (IC₅₀ = 15.30 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 12.80 μg/mL), while pristriol (16) showed ferric reducing power (EC₅₀ = 4200 μM FeSO₄/g). Enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated activity against α-amylase (IC₅₀ 53.88–112.24 µg/mL; acarbose IC₅₀ = 91.20 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ 18.38–136.88 µg/mL; acarbose IC₅₀ = 11.31 µg/mL). Compounds 15, 1, and 2 showed superior activity compared to acarbose for α-amylase, with effect sizes (Cohen’s d) of 2.15, 0.94, and 0.82, respectively, and IC₅₀ values of 53.88, 88.15, and 92.62 µg/mL; for α-glucosidase, IC₅₀ values were 18.38, 39.25, and 36.40 µg/mL, respectively. Docking studies supported these findings, revealing binding energies of −9.08, −8.34, and −7.22 kcal/mol for compounds 1, 2, and 15 with α-amylase, and −10.35 and −9.79 kcal/mol for compounds 1 and 2 with α-glucosidase. ADME profiling further identified 1 and 2 as promising lead candidates for dual-enzyme inhibition. Conclusions: P. dulce root bark represents a potent source of bioactive molecules with both antioxidant and dual-enzyme-inhibitory properties. These findings validate its traditional use and highlight its potential in the development of multitarget therapies for T2DM management. Full article

The genus Dracocephalum (Lamiaceae), comprising over 60 species predominantly distributed in Europe and Asia, has historically been used in traditional medicine and has recently attracted growing scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological and phytochemical properties. Despite increasing pharmacological and phytochemical investigations, the antioxidant potential and related bioactivities of Dracocephalum species remain fragmented across individual studies, with limited efforts to comparatively integrate evidence on phytochemical diversity, antioxidant relevance, and pharmacological variability. Therefore, this review consolidates and critically evaluates current knowledge regarding the phytochemical diversity, antioxidant potential, and therapeutic applications of Dracocephalum species, emphasizing their bioactive compounds and antioxidant-driven mechanisms. Particular attention is given to polyphenolic and phenolic constituents—including flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and volatile compounds, with rosmarinic acid, tilianin, luteolin derivatives, and apigenin derivatives identified as key contributors to biological activity. Unlike previous reviews, which primarily focused on isolated pharmacological effects or individual species, this study provides a comparative and integrative perspective by linking phytochemical composition with antioxidant-related activities and therapeutic implications across species. By synthesizing fragmented evidence and highlighting methodological advances in chromatography, metabolomics, and comparative analyses, this review identifies current knowledge gaps and outlines future perspectives for phytopharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food applications. Full article

Flavonoids are a structurally diverse class of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds widely recognized for their pleiotropic biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. In oncology, these compounds have demonstrated the ability to modulate key signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and metastasis, highlighting their potential as multitarget therapeutic agents. However, their clinical translation remains significantly limited by unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties, such as poor aqueous solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, rapid systemic clearance, and consequently low oral bioavailability. In this context, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations. This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of current nanocarrier-based delivery systems for flavonoids, including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanocarriers (liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions), micelles, and cyclodextrin complexes, emphasizing their role in improving drug stability, enhancing cellular uptake, and enabling targeted delivery to tumor tissues through both passive mechanisms, such as the enhanced permeability and retention effect, and active targeting approaches. In addition, recent in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating the superior antitumor efficacy of nanoencapsulated flavonoids compared to free compounds are discussed. Finally, the major translational challenges, safety considerations, and future perspectives for the clinical application of flavonoid-based nanomedicines in cancer therapy are highlighted. Full article

The valorization of culinary by-products into functional bioactive resources represents a significant advancement in sustainable biotechnology. This study characterizes an extract derived from “battuto toscano” by-products, a traditional blend of garlic, onion, carrot, and celery trimmings, recovered through circular economy principles. Comprehensive antioxidant profiling was performed alongside biological evaluations on human cell lines and anti-glycation assays. Results from Folin–Ciocalteu, FRAP, and TEAC assays confirmed a high concentration of secondary metabolites with significant scavenging capacity. In vitro testing on primary human fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes revealed a concentration- and time-dependent biological response, with lower concentrations showing better compatibility and transiently enhancing HaCaT metabolic activity. Furthermore, BTE reduced AGE-associated fluorescence in the BSA–glucose model, particularly at 5 mg/mL, supporting its potential anti-glycation activity. These findings establish “battuto toscano” by-products as a reservoir of sustainable biomolecules. This study offers a transformative resource for the pharma/nutraceutical sectors by bridging culinary tradition with biomedical innovation. Full article

Copper sulphate pentahydrate is widely used in agriculture to control bacterial and fungal diseases in various crops. Despite its extensive application, limited data exist regarding its potential toxic effects on juvenile rats following early-life exposure. In addition to oxidative stress and inflammation, copper overload may also trigger cuproptosis, a recently identified copper-dependent form of regulated cell death. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological, biochemical, and molecular effects of copper sulphate exposure on major organs in juvenile rats and to elucidate the associated inflammatory and oxidative stress-related mechanisms. Male and female Sprague–Dawley rats (30–40 days old, 50–70 g) were randomly assigned to control and experimental groups. Following copper sulphate exposure, histopathological examinations were performed on major organs, including the liver, kidney, heart, lung, and reproductive tissues (testis in males and ovary in females). Immunohistochemical analyses of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were conducted. Oxidative stress parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS), were measured using ELISA. Gene expression levels of TNF-α and NF-κB were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Copper sulphate exposure induced significant histopathological alterations in all examined tissues of both male and female juvenile rats. Biochemical findings revealed increased oxidative stress, evidenced by elevated MDA and TOS levels along with altered TAS values. Furthermore, immunohistochemical and gene expression analyses demonstrated upregulation of TNF-α and NF-κB, indicating activation of inflammatory pathways. Copper sulphate exposure leads to widespread morphological changes in juvenile rats, potentially mediated by oxidative stress and inflammation. These findings provide insight into the biological impact of early-life pesticide exposure. Further studies are warranted to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms and to develop effective preventive or therapeutic approaches. Full article

Allium sativum is widely consumed and studied plant for its potential health-promoting effects. Despite its widespread use, the impact of different extraction methods on the biological efficacy and specific phytochemical composition of garlic has not yet been fully elucidated. This study investigated the phytochemical profile, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Moroccan-grown A. sativum using in vitro assays and in silico analyses. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by colorimetric methods, while phenolic aglycones were identified by HPLC. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion and determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, antioxidant capacity by DPPH, TAC, and FRAP assays, and anti-inflammatory activity through protein denaturation inhibition. ADMET profiling was performed to predict pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of the identified compounds. The ethanolic extract exhibited higher flavonoid and phenolic contents, reaching 13.27 ± 0.01 mg quercetin/_gextract and 1.57 ± 0.02 mg GAE/_gextract, respectively. HPLC analysis identified syringic, caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as kaempferol and quercetin, whereas apigenin was detected only in the ethanolic extract under the present extraction and analytical conditions. Both extracts inhibited MRSA and E. coli but showed no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Docking analyses suggested favorable interactions between the identified compounds and bacterial target proteins. The ethanolic extract displayed stronger antioxidant activity, with DPPH IC₅₀ and TAC EC₅₀ values of 1.134 and 2.527 mg/mL, respectively. No ferric reducing activity was detected under the tested conditions. Protein denaturation inhibition ranged from 30.68% to 90.37%, with the aqueous extract showing significantly greater activity (p < 0.003). Overall, extraction-dependent differences in phenolic composition appear to influence the biological properties of A. sativum extracts, warranting further mechanistic and in vivo investigations. Full article