Search Results (2,387)

Background: It is important to note that motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) has especially calming properties, partly due to its chlorogenic acid (CLA) content. While the concentration of this acid in alcoholic or water–alcoholic extracts has been determined in the literature, there is no knowledge about the content of CLA in water extracts. Therefore, the aim of this study was primarily to assess the CLA content in infusions prepared in four different ways and to estimate the actual CLA intake with these infusions. An additionally aim was to assess the content of phenols and their antioxidant properties. Methods: A capillary electrophoresis device equipped with a DAD detector was used to determine CLA in dried motherwort herb, and the DPPH test and the Folin–Ciocâlteu method were used to determine antioxidant properties. Results: The median CLA content in the infusions was 527.26 µg/100 mL. In turn, the total phenol content per glass was 32.88 mg. The mean median DPPH test expressed as Trolox equivalent was 33.65 mg/L TE. Conclusions: The method of preparing infusions affects the content of CLA and phenols in water infusions. However, these changes did not significantly affect the antioxidant properties of the prepared extracts. Full article

The presented study aimed to fully characterise berry powders derived from raspberry, blackberry and strawberry (RB, BB, SB) as well as raspberry and blackberry seed powders (RBS, BBS) in terms of proximate composition, the individual profile of minerals, sugars, organic and fatty acids, and phenolic and volatile compounds. Additionally, testing of powders’ colour and antioxidant activity, as well as spectroscopic analysis, were also performed. Higher total and individual sugars, organic and phenolic acids, flavonols and anthocyanins content distinguished berry powders from the seed powders. Individually, RB contained significant amounts of citric and chlorogenic acids, BB was superior in cyanidin-3-O-glucoside and quercetin-3-O-rutinoside content, while SB was characterised by high sucrose, fructose, omega-3, and mineral (Ca, Mg, Fe) content. Berry seed powders exhibited remarkable TDF content, beneficial PUFA/SFA ratio, lighter colour, higher individual flavan-3-ols quantity, TPC and DPPH activity compared to berry powders. Mentioned discrepancies between berry and berry seed powders on a compositional level were also visible on ATR-FTIR spectra across all detected regions reflecting bonds attributed to cellulose, lipids, phenols and sugars. Pleasant, predominantly green, fruity and floral aromas were associated with berry powders, whilst additional herbal notes were characteristic of berry seed powders, all derived from the alcohols, aldehydes, esters and ketones as paramount volatile compounds. All examined powders can bear a nutritional claim of “high in” fibre (20.47–65.33%) and Mg (114.52–128.70 mg/100 g), enabling the design of food products packed with nutrients and bioactives while simultaneously reducing fresh fruit and fruit-processing waste. Full article

Background/Objectives: WenTong HuoXue Cream (WTHXC) plays a significant role in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, the material basis and quality control methods for this formulation remain largely unexplored. Methods: In this study, UPLC-HRMS/MS combined with standard reference substances was employed to comprehensively identify and confirm the chemical constituents of WTHXC. Furthermore, a rapid and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS method based on multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of the marker components. Results: Nine compounds were unambiguous characterized, including Di-hydrocapsaicin (DHC), Oxypeucedanin hydrate (OPH), Imperatorin (IMP), Isoimperatorin (IIMP), Xanthotoxin (XAN), Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), Chlorogenic acid (CGA), Ferulic Acid (FA) and Ligustilide (LIG). The results of method validation denotes that all the analytes showed good linearity between concentration and peak area in the tested ranges, with correlation coefficients (r) not less than 0.9990. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of precision was in the range of 0.57–7.11%. The accuracy of the method, verified by recovery experiments at three concentration levels, ranged from 96.51% to 101.04% for all analytes. Transdermal behavior determination results demonstrate that OPH, HYSA, CGA, FA and LIG exhibited favorable skin permeability and may serve as the key active components of WTHXC. Conclusions: This study elucidates the material basis of WTHXC, providing a scientific foundation for the development of quality control methods and facilitating its broader clinical application. Full article

Coffee is among the most widely consumed beverages globally being cultivated in nearly 80 countries. Its processing generates large quantities of by-products, including mucilage, pulp/husks, silverskin, parchment, and spent coffee grounds. Although traditionally treated as waste, these residues are increasingly recognized as valuable resources rich in bioactive compounds exhibiting antioxidant, antimicrobial, and health-promoting properties. This review explores the antimicrobial potential of coffee by-products, with particular emphasis on their chemical composition and mechanisms of action. Compounds such as caffeine, chlorogenic acids, polyphenols, and melanoidins have demonstrated inhibitory effects against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Many of these compounds, which originate from plant’s defensive system or result from Maillard reactions, are known to disrupt microbial membranes, inhibit DNA repair, and interfere with pathogen metabolism. However, the available literature on their antimicrobial effectiveness remains limited. In the context of the rising worldwide concern over antimicrobial resistance, coffee by-products represent a sustainable and promising source of novel antimicrobial agents. Their valorization may support advances in food preservation, pharmaceutical innovation, and waste management practices, contributing to the implementation of a circular economy framework in the coffee industry while promoting environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Full article

This study investigated the influence of solvent composition on the extraction efficiency and selectivity of phenolic compounds from the Amazonian fruits açaí (Euterpe oleracea) and bacaba (Oenocarpus bacaba). Six choline chloride-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES), combined with different hydrogen bond donors (glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, citric acid, lactic acid, oxalic acid, and urea), were compared with acidified methanol. Extracts were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant capacity using FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC assays. In açaí, methanol exhibited the highest TPC and reducing capacity, whereas acid-based NaDESs enhanced phenolic recovery in a matrix-dependent manner. In bacaba, choline chloride–citric acid enhanced total phenolic recovery compared to methanol, highlighting matrix-dependent solvent performance. Differences among FRAP, DPPH, and ORAC responses reflected variations in phenolic composition rather than total concentration alone. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed solvent-selective enrichment of anthocyanins, chlorogenic acid, flavan-3-ols, and rutin, particularly with acid-based NaDES formulations. Molecular docking provided complementary mechanistic insight by indicating favorable interactions between major phenolics and polyphenol oxidase. Overall, the results indicate that choline chloride-based NaDESs can function as tunable extraction systems capable of modulating phenolic profiles in a matrix-dependent manner, representing promising alternatives to conventional organic solvents for phenolic recovery from Amazonian fruits. Full article

Salinity stress adversely affects plant growth, yield, and productivity. It requires an investigation of ameliorative techniques, for example, spraying synthesized nanoparticles such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOnps). This current research studied the impact of sodium chloride as a stressor (150 mM NaCl) and the application of ZnOnps (2 g L⁻¹) on some biochemical properties of maize (Zea mays) leaves. The experiment involved examining some mineral concentrations (Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn), fatty acid profile, and the antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) properties of aqueous and diethyl ether maize leaf extracts, supported by molecular docking studies of the 17 previously determined phenolic compounds against DNA gyrase and alpha-L-fucosidase enzymes. Applying ZnOnps markedly decreased sodium concentrations from 5.8 to 1.9 mg g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) and established ion balance. ZnOnps also reduced γ-linolenic acid levels to 60% under stress, returning them to normal (34%), while increasing palmitic acid to 30%. Determining the antimicrobial activities indicated that extracts from plants sprayed with ZnOnps exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity, as evidenced by the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations against bacterial and fungal strains, including Salmonella typhi and Aspergillus flavus. The computational molecular docking confirmed the antimicrobial findings, with the compound apigenin-7-glucoside, which exhibited the highest binding affinity scores for antibacterial (−7.4 kcal/mol), and the compound chlorogenic acid as antifungal (−7.2 kcal/mol) against the enzyme targets. Thus, ZnOnps can be considered an efficient strategy for mitigating salinity stress in maize plants while elevating the antimicrobial activity and stability of variant secondary compounds. Full article

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) is a rich source of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins and polyphenols, which contribute to fruit quality and nutritional value. However, their distribution across tissues (flesh and skin) and stability under different postharvest freezing treatments remain poorly understood. This study characterized the phenolic profiles of 14 sweet cherry genotypes in different tissues (whole fruit, flesh, and skin) and assessed the effects of freezing storage conditions on compound stability using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results revealed pronounced tissue-specific patterns: most phenolic compounds, particularly total anthocyanins, neochlorogenic acid, rutin, and chlorogenic acid, were more than twofold higher in the skin than in the flesh. Substantial genotype-dependent variability was observed, with certain cultivars exhibiting markedly higher phenolic concentrations. Immediate freezing in liquid nitrogen preserved significantly higher levels of phenolics compared to delayed freezing at −70 °C, where several compounds showed considerable degradation, especially in separated flesh samples. Anthocyanin content increased strongly with pigmentation intensity, with darker-coloured genotypes showing up to a 50-fold higher concentration than lighter-coloured types. Molecular analysis identified MYB-associated polymorphisms corresponding to differences in phenolic accumulation and fruit pigmentation. These findings demonstrate that genotype and tissue type are key determinants of phenolic composition, while immediate postharvest freezing is essential for preserving bioactive compounds. The combined biochemical and molecular approach provides novel insight into the regulation and stability of phenolic compounds in sweet cherry and supports the selection of cultivars with enhanced nutritional quality and improved postharvest performance. Full article

The use of antioxidants has become a fundamental approach in food preservation to mitigate the adverse effects of oxidative deterioration, such as lipid rancidity and protein degradation. As a result, chlorogenic acids (CGAs), natural phenolic compounds, have attracted considerable attention due to their potent antioxidant and antibacterial activity as well as their diverse bioactivities, which are primarily achieved through the direct scavenging of free radicals and indirect inhibition of signaling pathways. Based on this, this review introduces the various derivatives of CGAs and their numerous health benefits, such as hypotensive and hypoglycemic effects, anti-obesity activity, and gastrointestinal flora regulation, and discusses innovative added forms involving novel encapsulation methods such as microcapsules, nanocapsules, and hydrogels. Moreover, this paper also provides a comprehensive summary of the preservation effects and sensory evaluation of CGAs in the food field, which have been proven to significantly extend the shelf life and enhance antioxidant capability in seafood products, meat, and baked goods. Finally, it also highlights the practical limitations of CGAs, including their poor liposolubility, chemical instability, and high thermal sensitivity, as well as the need for their application in a wider range of foods and further research on their influence on sensory evaluation, in order to broaden their application as antioxidants in the future. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obesity is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by excessive adipose accumulation and dysregulated lipid and glucose homeostasis. Marine brown algae contain diverse bioactive compounds with potential metabolic benefits; however, the in vivo anti-obesity effects of Padina minor remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of P. minor ethanolic extract on adipose metabolism and metabolic parameters in obese rats induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Male Wistar rats (n = 36) were rendered obese via HFD and treated with P. minor extract (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg BW) for 4 weeks, with orlistat (30 mg/kg BW) serving as a reference control. Body weight, food intake, Lee index, visceral fat mass, serum lipid profile, and glucose levels were assessed, alongside protein expression of PPARγ, CNR1, and ESR1 (ELISA) and gene expression of Pparγ and Adipor1 (qPCR). Phytochemical constituents were analyzed using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS. Results: P. minor extract significantly attenuated body weight gain, adiposity indices, and visceral fat accumulation compared with HFD controls (p < 0.05), and improved metabolic profiles by reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose levels while increasing HDL-cholesterol. At the molecular level, treatment was associated with decreased PPARγ and CNR1 expression and increased Adipor1 and ESR1 expression. The highest dose (100 mg/kg BW) produced effects comparable to orlistat. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids and phenolic acids, including quercetin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Conclusions: Padina minor ethanolic extract improves metabolic parameters and adipose tissue characteristics in HFD-induced obese rats, potentially through modulation of pathways related to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, supporting its potential as a marine-derived nutraceutical candidate for obesity management; however, further studies are required to confirm its mechanisms and clinical relevance. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a major by-product of coffee consumption, remain an underused source of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and other phenolic constituents. This study investigated an ultrasound-assisted extraction strategy using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to improve the recovery and phenolic-acid enrichment of SCGs. Among the tested DES formulations, the betaine–acetic acid system gave the best CGA extraction performance and was therefore used for further optimization by response surface methodology. The optimized process, conducted at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 28 mL/g, 75 °C, and 50 min, produced a CGA yield of 15.18 mg CGA/g dried SCG powder, markedly exceeding that achieved with 70% ethanol under comparable conditions. Structural and chemical characterizations helped explain this improvement. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the DES-based process caused more evident disruption of the SCG matrix, which favored solvent penetration and mass transfer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a hydrogen-bonding network between betaine and acetic acid. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry further revealed that the betaine–acetic acid extract was mainly composed of CGA and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. The purified extract also displayed strong in vitro antioxidant capacity. Overall, the betaine–acetic acid DES combined with ultrasound provides an effective green approach for recovering CGA-rich phenolic extracts from SCGs. Full article

(1) Background: Variations in bean temperature before grinding are a little-studied factor, but they can potentially influence the characteristics of the resulting powder and the chemical and physical properties of the espresso beverage. This study investigated the effect of two heat treatments, heating and cooling, applied to coffee beans immediately before grinding. (2) Methods: The analyses focused on powder particle size distribution (laser diffraction), impact on the operation of the coffee grinder (noise and electrical absorption), chemical-physical properties of the beverage, caffeine and chlorogenic acid content (HPLC-DAD) and profile of volatile organic compounds (HS-SPME-GC-MS). (3) Results: Heating induced a decrease in the content of caffeine and chlorogenic acids and a change in the aromatic profile consistent with phenomena like accelerated aging (increase in hexanal). Cooling treatment had similar, but less pronounced, effects, although it reduced caffeine extraction and some aromatic compounds. (4) Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the temperature of the coffee beans prior to grinding is a key factor to consider in terms of the particle size distribution of the resulting coffee grounds, as well as the content of bioactive compounds and volatile organic compounds, which can significantly influence various aspects of the final espresso’s quality. Full article

This study explored the impact of ethanol as a co-solvent in supercritical fluid extraction on the recovery of bioactive compounds from carrot seeds and assessed the resulting extracts for antimicrobial, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. Ethanol supplementation significantly improved extraction performance, with the yield increasing from 110 mg in the absence of ethanol to 134 mg at 5% ethanol, followed by a slight decrease to 132 mg at 10%. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed pronounced phytochemical enrichment at 5% ethanol, particularly for chlorogenic acid (1541.24 µg/g), gallic acid (1279.27 µg/g), and hesperetin (1513.68 µg/g), indicating enhanced recovery of phenolic and flavonoid constituents. The 5% ethanol extract demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, producing inhibition zones of 19 mm against Enterococcus faecalis, 26 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, 25 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 29 mm against Candida albicans. Values of both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were markedly reduced, while antibiofilm activity reached 93.11% for E. faecalis and 91.00% for K. pneumoniae. The extract also exhibited potent inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values of 7.74 and 13.37 µg/mL, against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, correspondingly, as well as strong butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 2.51 µg/mL), highlighting promising α-amylase/α-glucosidase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. Molecular docking further supported these findings, showing that chlorogenic acid bound more strongly than vanillin to OmpK36, lysosomal acid-α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase, with docking scores ranging from −6.1 to −6.9 kcal/mol. These findings identify ethanol-modified supercritical fluid extraction as a sustainable and effective green strategy for improving the recovery of carrot seed bioactives and enhancing their multifunctional in vitro biological properties. Notably, this study provides the first comprehensive evidence that 5% ethanol modification selectively enriches key phenolic constituents, including chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and hesperetin, in carrot seed extracts, with corresponding enhancement of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Full article

Green seeds of Coffea arabica represent a rich source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to compare the butanol-soluble (CA-BU) and the ethyl acetate-soluble (CA-EtAc) fractions in terms of their phytochemical composition and biological activity. As a first step, the fractions were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) in order to investigate the major constituents. Subsequently, CA-BU and CA-EtAc were evaluated for antioxidant effect, antimicrobial activity, antiproliferative properties, effects on the mitochondrial function, and on the chorioallantoic membrane. The CA-EtAc fraction was enriched in chlorogenic acids and catechins and showed superior antioxidant activity, whereas CA-BU displayed a broader profile of semi-polar polyphenols, conferring moderate antimicrobial effects and stronger antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells, although with limited selectivity compared with HaCaT non-tumorigenic cells. Respirometric analysis demonstrated that CA-BU selectively inhibited mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation Complex I (OXPHOS CI), without affecting Complex II (CII) or basal respiration, indicating a specific mitochondria-targeted mechanism. Both fractions were non-irritant and well tolerated in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay; CA-BU reduced vascular density. These findings demonstrate a clear mechanistic differentiation between the fractions, highlighting the decisive role of solvent polarity in obtaining extracts with distinct and targeted biological effects. Full article

Anthocyanin stability substantially determines the postharvest storage quality of red Huajiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.). Herein, the composition of red Huajiao anthocyanins (RHAs) was characterized, and the copigmentation performance of seven phenolic compounds with RHAs was comparatively evaluated, together with verifying their practical efficacy in maintaining the overall quality of red Huajiao during frozen storage. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified ten anthocyanin monomers in RHAs, among which delphinidin-3,5-diglucoside (D3,5G, 28.23%), and delphinidin-3-O-glucoside (D3G, 14.86%) were verified as the predominant monomers. Naringin (NA) exhibited an optimal copigmentation effect, achieving a maximum color enhancement rate of 19.46% at a 1:40 molar ratio and a pH of 3.0 at 20 °C, while thermodynamic tests verified the excellent stability of the naringin–RHA complex. The copigmentation interactions between RHAs and copigments were largely attributed to hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking, and alkyl hydrophobic interactions. Considering practical application cost and flavor compatibility, chlorogenic acid (CGA) was selected as the preferred alternative copigment. Frozen storage tests suggested that soaking pretreatment with 10 mmol/L CGA effectively delayed color fading and maintained the integrity of the oil gland and the good sensory quality and color attributes of red Hujiao, with no adverse impacts on its inherent flavor and numbing components. Collectively, phenolic-mediated intermolecular copigmentation represents an efficient technical means for stabilizing color and maintaining the commercial quality of postharvest red Huajiao during frozen storage. Full article

Objective: This study evaluated the in vitro physicochemical compatibility of meropenem and Tanreqing Injection under simulated parallel infusion conditions, providing experimental evidence to address existing gaps in compatibility data under clinically relevant co-infusion conditions. Methods: To simulate clinical dosages, meropenem and Tanreqing Injection were prepared individually and in combination in 100 mL and 250 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (NS). Changes in appearance, pH, osmolality, insoluble particles, drug content, and related impurities were investigated over a 0–24 h period to assess the compatibility of each preparation by using a fully validated liquid chromatography method. Result: Meropenem alone exhibited a slow degradation trend over 24 h at room temperature. For Tanreqing Injection alone, the chlorogenic acid content decreased to 80.0% in 100 mL of NS and 85.2% in 250 mL of NS within 24 h, indicating improved stability at higher dilution volumes. When meropenem was combined with Tanreqing Injection, the chlorogenic acid content exhibited an immediate and significant decrease upon mixing. By 24 h, the reduction reached 71.9% in the 100 mL NS combination group and 44.0% in the 250 mL NS combination group. Concurrently, levels of meropenem Impurity A increased significantly in both combination groups, with more pronounced changes observed in the 100 mL NS group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The parallel co-infusion of meropenem and Tanreqing Injection results in immediate chemical incompatibility and significant active constituent degradation. To ensure therapeutic efficacy and patient safety, simultaneous admixture of these two agents is strictly contraindicated in clinical practice. When sequential administration is necessary, a larger diluent volume (e.g., 250 mL NS) is preferred for Tanreqing Injection, and infusion lines must be thoroughly flushed between administrations to prevent residual interactions. Full article