Search Results (36)

Polyphenol-mediated protein interactions offer a promising approach for improving surimi gel networks. Nevertheless, the comparative and combined effects of polyphenol-rich plant extract and polysaccharide-based additives on gel properties remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, individual and combined effects of dechlorophyllized guava leaf extract (DGLE), a source of polyphenols and aloe vera powder (AVP), an acemannan-rich polysaccharide, on the physicochemical, textural and rheological properties of threadfin bream (Nemipterus spp.) surimi gel were investigated. DGLE obtained by ultrasonication followed by dechlorophyllization exhibited high total phenolic content (439.35 ± 4.72 mg GAE/g dry extract) and total flavonoid content (666.66 ± 60.52 mg QE/g dry extract). LCMS/MS-QTOF profiling tentatively identified 12 phenolic compounds, including ellagic acid, catechins, quercetin glycosides, EGCG, etc. Surimi gel incorporated with 0.2% AVP and 0.05% DGLE individually achieved the highest breaking force and deformation with minimum expressible moisture content, though whiteness decreased with increasing concentrations. SDS-PAGE and FTIR analyses confirmed polyphenol-protein interaction and acemannan-gel network association. Gel with 0.2% AVP alone showed the highest hardness, gumminess, chewiness and elevated G′, while 0.05% DGLE alone yielded the highest springiness and cohesiveness, consistent with dense cross-linking observed in SEM (p < 0.05). AVP combined with DGLE exhibited a reduced gel-strengthening effect, especially at increasing DGLE concentrations. Thus, DGLE alone at 0.05% improved surimi gel properties. This finding could provide insight into the use of DGLE as a natural additive to improve surimi gel. 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

Circaea lutetiana (Onagraceae) is a perennial medicinal species widely distributed across temperate forest ecosystems of Europe, Asia, and North America. This mini-review integrates current knowledge on the botanical characteristics, ecological distribution, phytochemical composition, and biological properties of Circaea lutetiana, with particular emphasis on its dominant polyphenolic constituents. Available studies demonstrate that the species is rich in flavonoids, phenolic acids, ellagic acid derivatives, and ellagitannins, among which oenothein B represents a characteristic and major constituent. Beyond polyphenols, structurally characterized glycosides, lipophilic metabolites, phytosterols, triterpenoids, fatty acids, tocopherols, and mineral elements contribute to the chemical complexity of the species. The reported biological activities of Circaea lutetiana, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial effects, are discussed in relation to the phytochemical profile of the plant and the biological significance of its major constituents. Recent research in green nanotechnology has additionally highlighted the potential of Circaea lutetiana extracts, particularly in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles, where plant metabolites act as reducing and stabilizing agents and may contribute to improved antimicrobial performance. Full article

Psidium cattleyanum Sabine (strawberry guava, araçá) is an ethnomedicinal plant with reputed health benefits; however, its potential for treating skin disorders remains underexplored. This study aimed to characterize the phytochemical profile of P. cattleyanum leaves from Cabo Verde and evaluate their bioactivity relevant to skin health. Phytochemical analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and spectrophotometric assays. Key biological activities were assessed in vitro, including antioxidant capacity (free radical scavenging assays), anti-aging enzyme inhibition (collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase), and antibacterial activity against skin pathogens (agar diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, and combination studies with standard antibiotics). Cytotoxicity was evaluated using Vero cells (MTT assay). Additionally, a topical cream containing the leaf extract was formulated and subjected to physicochemical stability and sensory testing. LC-MS revealed a rich polyphenolic composition in the leaf extract, including abundant phenolic acids (gallic and ellagic acid derivatives) and flavonoid glycosides. The extract exhibited a high total phenolic content and strong antioxidant activity in DPPH/ABTS assays. It showed potent inhibition of collagenase, elastase, and tyrosinase, indicating an anti-aging effect against wrinkle formation and hyperpigmentation. The extract also demonstrated broad antimicrobial efficacy against skin-associated bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Cutibacterium acnes, with no antagonism and partial synergism observed when combined with certain antibiotics. The P. cattleyanum extract was successfully incorporated into a cream formulation that remained physically and chemically stable (no phase separation, consistent droplet size, and pH) over 90 days, with good homogeneity and acceptable sensory characteristics (neutral odor, smooth texture, and good spreadability). P. cattleyanum leaves from Cabo Verde are a rich source of bioactive compounds with multifunctional dermatological benefits. This study demonstrates that the P. cattleyanum leaf extract exhibits significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging activities in vitro, supporting its potential use as a natural ingredient for skin care. Full article

In the present study, extracts from the fragrant agrimony (Agrimonia procera Wallr.) herb and the pseudo-fruits of rose (Rosa rugosa) were incorporated into a 50% sucrose solution used for the osmotic dehydration of Champion apples (Malus domestica Borkh.). This approach enabled the investigation of the migration of fragrant agrimony and rose polyphenols—both total polyphenols and their main representatives—during the dehydration process of apples, which are among the most popular fruits due to their health-promoting and nutritional properties. The total polyphenol content was determined using spectrophotometric methods, while the major individual compounds were quantified by UHPLC-DAD-MS. At a polyphenol content of 4 g/L in the solution, a more intensive water migration (water loss of about 3 g/g DM) from the fruit tissue was achieved for both extracts compared to the pure sucrose solution. However, no relationship between the polyphenol level in the hypertonic solution and the migration of sucrose into the apple tissue was observed. With regard to polyphenolic compounds, the level of polyphenols in apples dehydrated in the presence of extracts, compared to those dehydrated in pure sucrose solution, increased with the extract dose. The maximum value—approximately 825 mg/100 g DM of total polyphenols—was obtained at an extract concentration of 6 g/L, derived from both fragrant agrimony herb and rose pseudo-fruit. In the apples dehydrated using the extracts, the presence of phenolic compounds not found in fresh apples, characteristic of the applied extracts, such as ellagitannins, ellagic acid, flavonols including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, as well as flavones, including derivatives of apigenin and luteolin, was observed. These findings indicate that the use of fragrant agrimony and rose extracts in osmotic dehydration may serve as an effective strategy for enhancing the polyphenolic profile and functional value of dehydrated apple products. Full article

In this study, the cosmeceutical potential of a 70% ethanol extract of Rosa lucieae was investigated as a multifunctional bioactive ingredient. The extract was systematically evaluated for its antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, and anti-aging properties, and was comprehensively phytochemically profiled using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The analysis tentatively identified 21 metabolites, including phenolic acids (gallic acid, ellagic acid, and corilagin), flavonoids (catechin, rutin, quercetin, hyperoside, and quercitrin), and glycosidic derivatives (e.g., phlorizin), several of which are well-documented for their skin-protective effects. Quantitative measurements confirmed high polyphenol and flavonoid contents, correlating with strong radical-scavenging and reducing capacities in α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, as well as ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assays. Moreover, the extract inhibited tyrosinase activity and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine oxidation, thereby suppressing melanin biosynthesis. In addition, marked inhibitory effects against collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase were observed; these enzymes are critically involved in extracellular matrix degradation and skin aging. Taken together, these results indicate that the biological activities of R. lucieae are supported by a diverse polyphenol- and flavonoid-rich chemical profile, highlighting the potential of this plant as a natural multifunctional ingredient for cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, functional food, and preventive healthcare applications. Full article

Background: Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. is a small aquatic plant that produces snap traps for capturing zooplankton prey. Aldrovanda belongs to the family Droseraceae, which is well known for the production of secondary metabolites (especially naphthoquinones). However, compared to other species in this family (Drosera and Dionaea), A. vesiculosa has been very poorly studied in terms of metabolites. The Aim: To fill this gap in knowledge, we investigated what secondary metabolites are present in the shoots of these plants. A hypothesis was tested stating that there are more metabolites in the younger (apical) parts of the shoots, which protect them from herbivores. Methods: Shoots of A. vesiculosa were collected, and the plant material was extracted with methanol, followed by 80% methanol or pure acetone using the accelerated solvent extraction method. The phytochemical profile was established using UPLC-DAD-(ESI)-MS. Results: A. vesiculosa shoots contained gallic acid and its derivatives, ellagic acid and its derivatives, flavonoids, and naphthoquinones (plumbagin and hydroplumbagin hexoside). A gradient (apical–basal) of gallic acid, ellagic acid, plumbagin, and hydroplumbagin hexoside was observed in the shoots. Meanwhile, the total flavonoid content did not differ between the middle and apical parts but was significantly lower in the basal part. In general, the lowest concentrations of metabolites were found in the basal part and the highest in the apical part, with the exception of total flavonoids. The number of free flavonoid aglycones was significantly higher in the middle part, whereas the apical part was dominated by glycoside derivatives. Full article

As a rich source of biologically active compounds, pomegranate peel is a valuable by-product with applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, photoprotective activity and application in a cosmetic emulsion of extracts obtained from pomegranate peel by different solvents. The analysis of phenolic compounds was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); the total phenolic content (TPC) and the total flavonoid content (TFC) were evaluated using standard spectrophotometric methods; the antioxidant activity was assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays; antimicrobial screening was performed against twenty test microorganisms; the ultraviolet (UV) protection effect of extracts and cosmetic emulsion was assessed spectrophotometrically in the wavelength range of 290–320 nm. HPLC analysis revealed fourteen phenolic compounds, including four phenolic acids (ellagic, gallic, p-coumaric, and ferulic), two tannins (pedunculagin and punicalagin), six flavonoids (myricetin, hesperidin, quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and apigenin), and two quercetin glycosides (rutin and hyperoside). The four pomegranate peel extracts demonstrated high TPC, TFC and antioxidant potential (DMSO > 70% ethanolic > methanolic > aqueous), and significant antimicrobial activity. The four extracts showed a remarkable UV protection effect. When applied in a cosmetic emulsion, the ethanolic extract showed sun protection factor (SPF) values from 13.59 (0.5 mg/g) to 50.65 (5 mg/g). Based on the results obtained, we can conclude that pomegranate peel is a promising source of bioactive compounds, which can be successfully utilized by integration into various pharmaceutical and value-added skin health products. Full article

Structural characterization of natural products in complex herbal extracts remains a major challenge in phytochemical analysis. In this study, we present a novel post-acquisition data-processing strategy—key ion diagnostics–neutral loss filtering (KID-NLF)—combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF-MS) for systematic profiling of the medicinal plant Terminalia chebula. The strategy consists of four main steps. First, untargeted data are acquired in negative electrospray ionization (ESI⁻) mode. Second, a genus-specific diagnostic ion database is constructed by leveraging characteristic fragment ions (e.g., gallic acid, chebuloyl, and HHDP groups) and conserved substructures. Third, MS/MS data are high-resolution filtered using key ion diagnostics and neutral loss patterns (302 Da for HHDP; 320 Da for chebuloyl). Finally, structures are elucidated via detailed spectral analysis. The methanol extract of T. chebula was separated on a C18 column using a gradient of acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous formic acid within 33 min. This separation enabled detection of 164 compounds, of which 47 were reported for the first time. Based on fragmentation pathways and diagnostic ions (e.g., m/z 169 for gallic acid, m/z 301 for ellagic acid, and neutral losses of 152, 302, and 320 Da), the compounds were classified into three major groups: gallic acid derivatives, ellagitannins (containing HHDP, chebuloyl, or neochebuloyl moieties), and triterpenoid glycosides. KID-NLF overcomes key limitations of conventional workflows—namely, isomer discrimination and detection of low-abundance compounds—by exploiting genus-specific structural signatures. This strategy demonstrates high efficiency in resolving complex polyphenolic and triterpenoid profiles and enables rapid annotation of both known and novel metabolites. This study highlights KID-NLF as a robust framework for phytochemical analysis in species with high chemical complexity. It also paves the way for applications in quality control, drug discovery, and mechanistic studies of medicinal plants. Full article

The influence of light downconversion films (red, pink and blue films) on leaf physiological features and fruit bioactive compound accumulation was studied in strawberry plants. Red, pink and blue films were able to convert light less utilised by plants into more efficient light wavebands with various possibilities depending on the film characteristics (blue film shifts UV into blue radiation; red film shifts green into red radiation, pink film shifts UV and green into blue and red radiation but to a lesser extent than red film). Indeed, by enhancing the quality of light available for photosynthesis, the utilization of these films holds the potential to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. All of these light downconversion films resulted in higher plant fresh weight compared to a control colourless (Cnt) film, with plants grown under blue film (UV-to-blue light conversion) showing the most impressive results in terms of total leaf area (+25%), leaf thickness (+10%) and leaf mass per area (+15%). Simultaneously, during the flowering stage, plants under blue film had a higher net photosynthetic rate due to the increase in photosynthetically efficient wavelengths. Moreover, blue film resulted in the highest total phenolic (+40% and +28% than red and pink films, respectively) and flavonoid content (+54%, +84%, +70% than Cnt, red and pink films, respectively) in fruit, with specific effects on targeted phenols, i.e., quercetin, ellagic acid and its glycoside, ellagitannins, and procyanidins. In conclusion, the use of the UV-to-blue conversion light film tested herein represents an innovative solution to increase strawberry yield and promote fruit nutraceutical features, playing a pivotal role in ensuring food quality and security and sustainable agricultural practices. Full article

Grape seeds represent a rich source of phenolic compounds that exhibit various health benefits. Therefore, grape seed powders can be a potential functional ingredient in the formulation of different nutritionally valuable food products. The aim of this study was the UHPLC Orbitrap MS4 characterization of phenolic compounds and their derivatives in indigenous (Smederevka, Tamjanika, and Prokupac) and international (Italien Riesling, Muscat Hamburg, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon) grape seed powders. Phenolic compounds were extracted from grape seed powders with 80% methanol containing 0.1% HCl and analyzed by UHPLC Orbitrap MS. The identification of phenolic compounds was conducted based on their monoisotopic mass, MS fragmentation (MS4, MS3, MS2), available standards and literature data. Using standards, gallic, protocatechinic, p-hydroxybenzoic, and vanillic acids were identified in the seed extracts of all analyzed grape varieties. On the other hand, gentisic acid was not detected in the seed extracts of the Smederevka and Merlot varieties. Other phenolic acids and their derivatives, such as ellagic acid (300 m/z), gallic acid hexoside (331 m/z), dihydroxybenzoic acid hexoside (315 m/z), caffeoyl tartaric acid (311 m/z), and coumaroyl tartaric acid (295 m/z), were identified in all analyzed seed extracts based on exact mass and MS2 fragmentation. Commonly present flavan-3-ols (catechin, epicatechin, and catechin gallate) and different B-type procyanidins (B-type procyanidin dimer, trimer, and gallate isomers) were also identified in all analyzed samples. To the best of our knowledge, the procyanidin profiles of the indigenous variety Tamjanika (eight compounds) were analyzed for the first time. Flavonol aglycones (taxifolin and quercetin) and glycosides (quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol glycosides) were also identified, but their presence in the seeds was selective and closely dependent on grape varieties. In sum, grape seed powders of indigenous and international varieties contain different classes of phenolic compounds, primarily flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, and phenolic acids, which increase and favor their future application in the food industry. Full article

Walnut processing generates considerable quantities of by-products that could be reprocessed into value-added products that have food and non-food applications. In this context, the aim of this study is to characterize the ‘Sorrento’ and ‘Tulare’ walnut cultivars using the UPOV guidelines and analyze the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of their shells. Insight into the chemical composition of the different granulometric fractions of walnut shell, obtained by sieving, was obtained following ultrasound-assisted extraction by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin content and antiradical capacity, obtained by DPPH and ABTS assays, and the Fe(III) reducing power of the extracts were also evaluated. The UHPLC-HRMS analysis indicated the presence of thirty-two compounds ascribable to four major classes of specialized metabolites. Furthermore, the extraction efficiency of gallic acid, ellagic acid derivatives, as well as glansreginin A, increased with the decrease in shell matrix particle size in contrast to chlorogenic acids and flavonoid glycosides. This is the first study to highlight new knowledge on the chemical composition of walnut shells. The results obtained demonstrate the feasibility of recovering valuable bioactive components from agro-waste that may be further valorized. Full article

Polyphenols have a variety of phenolic hydroxyl and carbonyl functionalities that enable them to scavenge many oxidants, thereby preserving the human redox balance and preventing a number of oxidative stress-related chronic degenerative diseases. In our ongoing investigation of polyphenol-rich plants in search of novel molecules, we resumed the investigation of Lawsonia inermis L. (Lythraceae) or henna, a popular ancient plant with aesthetic and therapeutic benefits. The leaves’ 70% aq acetone extract was fractionated on a Diaion HP-20 column with different ratios of H₂O/an organic solvent. Multistep gel chromatographic fractionation and HPLC purification of the Diaion 75% aq MeOH and MeOH fractions led to a new compound (1) along with tannin-related metabolites, benzoic acid (2), benzyl 6′-O-galloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), and ellagic acid (4), which are first isolated from henna. Repeating the procedures on the Diaion 50% aq MeOH eluate led to the first-time isolation of two O-glucosidic ellagitannins, heterophylliin A (5), and gemin D (6), in addition to four known C-glycosidic ellagitannins, lythracin D (7), pedunculagin (8), flosin B (9), and lagerstroemin (10). The compound structures were determined through intensive spectroscopic investigations, including HRESIMS, 1D (¹H and ¹³C) and 2D (¹H–¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) NMR, UV, [α]_D, and CD experiments. The new structure of 1 was determined to be a megastigmane glucoside gallate; its biosynthesis from gallic acid and a β-ionone, a degradative product of the common metabolite β-carotin, was highlighted. Cytotoxicity investigations of the abundant ellagitannins revealed that lythracin D2 (7) and pedunculagin (8) are obviously more cytotoxic (tumor specificity = 2.3 and 2.8, respectively) toward oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (HSC-2, HSC-4, and Ca9-22) than normal human oral cells (HGF, HPC, and HPLF). In summary, Lawsonia inermis is a rich source of anti-oral cancer ellagitannins. Also, the several discovered polyphenolics highlighted here emphasize the numerous biological benefits of henna and encourage further clinical studies to profit from their antioxidant properties against oxidative stress-related disorders. Full article

Natural products such as domestic herbal drugs which are easily accessible and cost-effective can be used as a complementary treatment in mild and moderate COVID-19 cases. This study aimed to detect and describe the efficiency of phenolics detected in the galangal–cinnamon mixture in the inhibition of SARS-CoV-2’s different protein targets. The potential antiviral effect of galangal–cinnamon aqueous extract (GCAE) against Low Pathogenic HCoV-229E was assessed using cytopathic effect inhibition assay and the crystal violet method. Low Pathogenic HCoV-229E was used as it is safer for in vitro laboratory experimentation and due to the conformation and the binding pockets similarity between HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 M^Pro. The GCAE showed a significant antiviral effect against HCoV-229E (IC₅₀ 15.083 µg/mL). Twelve phenolic compounds were detected in the extract with ellagic, cinnamic, and gallic acids being the major identified phenolic acids, while rutin was the major identified flavonoid glycoside. Quantum-chemical calculations were made to find molecular properties using the DFT/B3LYP method with 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set. Quantum-chemical values such as EHOMO, ELUMO, energy gap, ionization potential, chemical hardness, softness, and electronegativity values were calculated and discussed. Phenolic compounds detected by HPLC-DAD-UV in the GCAE were docked into the active site of 3 HCoV-229E targets (PDB IDs. 2ZU2, 6U7G, 7VN9, and 6WTT) to find the potential inhibitors that block the Coronavirus infection pathways from quantum and docking data for these compounds. There are good adaptations between the theoretical and experimental results showing that rutin has the highest activity against Low Pathogenic HCoV-229E in the GCAE extract. Full article

Polyphenols, as common components with various functional activities in plants, have become a research hotspot. However, researchers have found that the bioavailability and bioactivity of plant polyphenols is generally low because they are usually in the form of tannins, anthocyanins and glycosides. Polyphenol-rich fermented foods (PFFs) are reported to have better bioavailability and bioactivity than polyphenol-rich foods, because polyphenols are used as substrates during food fermentation and are hydrolyzed into smaller phenolic compounds (such as quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, etc.) with higher bioactivity and bioavailability by polyphenol-associated enzymes (PAEs, e.g., tannases, esterases, phenolic acid decarboxylases and glycosidases). Biotransformation pathways of different polyphenols by PAEs secreted by different microorganisms are different. Meanwhile, polyphenols could also promote the growth of beneficial bacteria during the fermentation process while inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, during the fermentation of PFFs, there must be an interactive relationship between polyphenols and microorganisms. The present study is an integration and analysis of the interaction mechanism between PFFs and microorganisms and is systematically elaborated. The present study will provide some new insights to explore the bioavailability and bioactivity of polyphenol-rich foods and greater exploitation of the availability of functional components (such as polyphenols) in plant-derived foods. Full article