Search Results (361)

Ellagitannins (ETs) derived from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) peel are polyphenols that have gained prominence in the food and nutraceutical industries due to their high bioactivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of ETs obtained from rambutan peel in sodium alginate beads, as well as their effect on cell viability and antioxidant potential. ETs were extracted and semi-purified using Amberlite XAD-16 resin and identified by HPLC/ESI/MS. To determine the encapsulation efficiency, a 3^k Box–Behnken experimental design was employed, evaluating the influence of ET concentration (1000, 2000, and 3000 ppm), sodium alginate (1, 2, and 3%), and CaCl₂ (5, 10, and 15 mM). Cell viability was assessed in HEK-293 and 3T3 cell lines, and antioxidant potential was determined through ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The results showed a maximum EE of 55% under conditions of 3000 ppm ETs, 2% sodium alginate, and 5 mM CaCl₂. Cell viability assays confirmed that both the crude extract and the ET-loaded capsules possess excellent biocompatibility, maintaining values above 70%. Furthermore, the capsules demonstrated significant antioxidant potential (ABTS 76%, DPPH 65%, FRAP 1.11 mmol TE/L) compared to the control (sodium alginate). These findings position the ET-loaded rambutan peel capsules as a promising alternative for the development of functional products in the food industry. Full article

Pomegranate is increasingly being recognized as a versatile source of bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota-modulating potential. Beyond the edible arils and juice, peel, seeds, leaves, flowers, and other agro-industrial by-products are rich in ellagitannins, particularly punicalagins, as well as ellagic acid, gallic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanins, fatty acids, and related phytochemicals. Their recovery depends strongly on plant fraction, cultivar, solvent, and extraction technology, including conventional hydroalcoholic extraction, ultrasound- and microwave-assisted processes, high-pressure treatments, and enzyme-assisted methods. Pomegranate-derived preparations exhibit activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, multidrug-resistant pathogens, and microbial biofilms, while selected compounds may enhance the efficacy of conventional antimicrobials. Emerging evidence also indicates bidirectional interactions with microbial communities, including microbial biotransformation of ellagitannins into urolithins and modulation of beneficial taxa and microbial metabolites. This narrative review integrates agronomic and phytochemical diversity, extraction and standardization strategies, mechanisms of antimicrobial action, synergistic interactions, microbiota-related effects, and applications in food preservation, biomedicine, animal nutrition, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Key translational limitations include compositional variability, methodological heterogeneity, insufficient standardization, limited in vivo validation, and scarce evidence from realistic application models and clinical studies. Addressing these gaps is essential for developing safe, reproducible, and scalable pomegranate-derived preparations. Full article

Over the years, metabolic syndrome (MetS) has emerged as one of the most significant public health challenges, driven by the global increase in obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary patterns, and population aging. Ellagitannins are a class of hydrolysable tannins that have emerged as promising natural bioactive compounds, owing to their broad spectrum of biological activities. Increasing evidence suggests that some ellagitannins and their metabolites modulate several pathogenic mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulated lipid metabolism. This work reviews the pharmacological activities and therapeutic prospects of ellagitannins in the management of metabolic syndrome-related disorders. It further provides a critical and comparative analysis of the pharmacological profiles of reported ellagitannins, offering insights into their therapeutic efficacy and potential synergistic applications in the management of MetS-related disorders. Overall, Punicalagin and Geraniin currently possess the strongest preclinical evidence, supported by multiple independent studies employing both cellular and animal models that consistently demonstrate beneficial effects across several components of MetS. Chebulagic acid, Corilagin, Chebulinic acid, and Punicalin also show considerable promise but require further validation in diverse experimental systems. Potential synergistic interactions among ellagitannins when administered in combination should be investigated for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and broader multifaceted pharmacological effects. Full article

Dietary polyphenols are studied as potential adjuncts for type 2 diabetes (T2D), although many reviews still rely on an antioxidant framework that does not adequately reflect human exposure. This review organises the evidence around two metabolite waves, namely early postprandial phase-II conjugates produced by host enzymes within 0 to 4 h of a polyphenol-rich meal, and microbiome-derived catabolites including urolithins and γ-valerolactones that peak at 6 to 24 h. This biphasic interpretation is advanced as a hypothesis-generating framework rather than as an established explanation, and it offers a testable account of why polyphenol effects may be meal-contingent, metabotype-dependent and heterogeneous across clinical trials. Using randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses published between 2015 and 2025, we review the human evidence for anthocyanins, catechins, stilbenes, cocoa flavanols and olive phenolics, with briefer coverage of isoflavones, curcuminoids and ellagitannins. Anthocyanins show the most consistent glycaemic signal, with a best available pooled estimate of about 0.3% for HbA1c (−0.31%, median exposure eight weeks) derived from trials that did not verify metabolite exposure, an effect that is modest and lies at the lower bound of what is generally regarded as clinically meaningful. Green tea catechins and high-phenolic extra-virgin olive oil are associated with comparable postprandial gains, whereas cocoa flavanols and resveratrol more reliably improve vascular and inflammatory intermediates than glycaemia itself. Most interventions were well tolerated at the nutritional doses tested. Polyphenols are better regarded as meal-timed dietary adjuncts to standard T2D care than as primary glycaemic agents. Full article

Natural polyphenols have gained increasing attention as potential anticancer agents, although the selective effects of many plant-derived extracts on cervical cancer cells remain insufficiently characterized. Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel, an underutilized agro-industrial by-product enriched in ellagitannins and related polyphenols, represents a promising source of bioactive compounds for nutraceutical and cervical cancer research. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of rambutan peel polyphenolic extract (RPPE) on cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and non-malignant cells. Cell viability, morphological alterations, and transcriptional responses associated with apoptosis, survival, and cell-cycle regulation were examined. RPPE selectively reduced the viability of HeLa cancer cells while exerting limited effects on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa). Treated HeLa cells exhibited morphological and transcriptional changes consistent with apoptosis and growth inhibition. However, minimal responses were observed in HDF treated with RPPE. Overall, these findings provide evidence that RPPE differentially affects malignant and non-malignant cells, supporting further investigation of rambutan peel-derived polyphenols as sustainable bioactive compounds for cervical cancer research and future nutraceutical applications. Full article

Neoshirakia japonica, a small deciduous tree belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae, has traditionally been used to relieve pain and fatigue in ancient Asia. To date, there have been no attempts to investigate the overall metabolite profiles of N. japonica. To obtain the phytochemical profiles of its aerial part and root, the extracts were analyzed by UHPLC Orbitrap mass spectrometry, and the metabolites were clustered using feature-based molecular networking (FBMN). The common major constituents of the two different parts were annotated as ellagitannins and ellagic acid derivatives using the GNPS database and SIRIUS software, and a total of 20 compounds were isolated. With FBMN guidance, five minor ginsenosides (10–14) were isolated from the BuOH fraction of the aerial part and first identified in this plant. Also, one new xanthoxylin derivative (16) was discovered from the root, and its antioxidant activity and binding potential to NOX family proteins were evaluated by in silico studies. Consequently, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the major and minor components of N. japonica by part and suggests its potential as a drug candidate for antioxidant-related diseases. Full article

The valorization of food by-products represents a key strategy for sustainable food systems and the circular bioeconomy. Pomegranate peels from two selected Italian cultivars were subjected to environmentally friendly extraction processes aimed at optimizing ellagitannins’ recovery and exploiting their biological activity. Punicalagin (PU) was the predominant compound, and the extracts exhibited high antioxidant capacity in both DPPH and FRAP assays. The Granato cultivar was selected for in vivo evaluation on the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) nematode model, where it extended lifespan and improved key healthspan markers. Locomotion, feeding activity, muscle integrity, and intestinal barrier function were improved through the activation of conserved stress-response pathways, particularly the SKN-1/NRF2 axis. The results were associated with improved mitochondrial function and reduced age-related oxidative stress, consistent with a hormetic mechanism. The extract also exhibited antibacterial activity, mainly against Gram-positive bacteria. Overall, the results highlight pomegranate peel as a sustainable source of high-value bioactive compounds with potential applications in nutrition, dietary supplements, and dermo-cosmetics. Full article

Libidibia coriaria (Cascalote), an underutilized leguminous species native to the tropical Americas, is a promising source of bioactive phenolic compounds with pharmaceutical and nutraceutical potential. This study compared microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and their hybrid combination (UMAE) for the recovery of hydrolyzable and condensed phenolics from cascalote pods and evaluated the antioxidant capacity of the resulting extracts. UMAE achieved the highest total phenolic content (223.49 mg GAE/g dry matter), while antioxidant capacity varied by assay: MAE showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity and FRAP reducing power, whereas UAE exhibited the highest ABTS radical-scavenging activity. Nevertheless, UMAE showed the lowest IC₅₀ values for DPPH and ABTS (228.91 and 155.65 mg/L, respectively), indicating greater concentration-dependent radical-scavenging efficiency. Qualitative HPLC–MS tentatively identified gallotannins, ellagitannins, and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives. UAE yielded the broadest phenolic profile, whereas MAE and UMAE shared several major tannin-related compounds. FTIR analysis supported the presence of characteristic functional groups associated with gallotannins and ellagitannins. Overall, under the evaluated conditions, UMAE was the most effective extraction method for improving phenolic recovery. These findings highlight the potential of this hybrid extraction approach for the valorization of L. coriaria pods as a source of high-value bioactive phenolic compounds. Full article

The nutritional composition and polyphenolic profile were determined in leaf and flowering shoots of burnet species (Sanguisorba officinalis, S. officinalis ‘Tanna’, and S. menziesii), with plant material further separated into leaves and stems. The results demonstrated that these herbs are valuable sources of dietary fiber, as well as being rich in protein and essential minerals. Depending on the morphological part, dietary fiber content ranged from 37.8 to 67.7 g/100 g, protein content from 5.3 to 19.5 g/100 g, and ash content from 3.8 to 9.9 g/100 g. Moreover, Sanguisorba species are particularly abundant in polyphenols (1–11% DM), with ellagitannins such as lambertianin C and sanguiin H-6 being the predominant constituents; in selected samples, they accounted for more than 90% of the total identified polyphenols. Due to their pleasant taste and aroma, and their dietary fiber, protein, and ellagitannin content, an attempt was made to evaluate their suitability as ingredients in food products. The results indicated that leaves are the most suitable for culinary applications into dishes such as soups and smoothies, whereas stems may serve as valuable raw material for dietary fiber- and phenolic-rich preparations. In conclusion, these findings support the promotion of edible herbs that are not only nutritious, palatable, and rich in ellagitannins, but also aesthetically valuable in garden settings and beneficial for pollinators. Full article

Naturally derived bioactive compounds that modulate aging-associated mechanisms have attracted growing research interest, yet few reviews examine how such compounds might act together. This narrative review examines four mechanistically distinct compounds, namely spermidine, fisetin, berberine, and urolithin A, as emerging functional food ingredients with scientifically supported effects on key hallmarks of human aging. Spermidine, a dietary polyamine from wheat germ and fermented foods, induces autophagy through EP300 inhibition and is associated with reduced all-cause mortality in prospective studies. Fisetin, a flavonoid from strawberries and apples, exerts senolytic activity by selectively eliminating senescent cells via PI3K/AKT and Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibition, with emerging clinical evidence. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid from Berberis species, modulates metabolic dysfunction via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and reshapes gut microbiota composition through direct high intraluminal exposure, with the most extensive clinical dataset of the four compounds. Urolithin A, a gut microbiome-derived postbiotic from ellagitannins in pomegranates and nuts, induces mitophagy via PINK1/Parkin and has been evaluated in a growing number of registered human clinical trials. Together, the four compounds primarily target distinct but complementary aging-associated pathways (autophagy, senolysis, metabolic regulation, mitophagy), suggesting rational potential for combined functional food formulations. Limited direct evidence for their combined use and the need for dedicated co-administration studies are discussed, alongside bioavailability, safety, and regulatory considerations. Full article

A chitosan-based edible biofilm enriched with pomegranate peel extract and essential oils was developed as a sustainable active packaging material that exploits agro-industrial by-products, in agreement with circular economy principles. Targeted HPLC–MS/MS analysis quantified twelve polyphenols, with total polyphenol content ranging from 88.20 to 137.38 μg/g dry weight. Ellagic acid was the predominant compound (90.78 μg/g dry weight), followed by gallic acid (28.80 μg/g dry weight). Untargeted HPLC–HRMS analysis revealed additional flavonoid and ellagitannin-related derivatives, confirming the chemical complexity of the incorporated phenolic fraction. ICP-OES analysis showed heavy metal concentrations below the analytical quantification limits, supporting compliance with food-contact safety requirements. During 45 days of refrigerated storage, coated Pecorino Romano PDO cheese exhibited lower yeast and mold counts than uncoated controls, with a maximum reduction of approximately 0.87 log₁₀ CFU/g. Enterobacteriaceae remained below the detection limit in coated samples throughout storage, whereas they were detected in untreated cheese at the end of storage. These findings demonstrate the potential of the developed edible biofilm as a safe and sustainable active packaging material for refrigerated dairy products while promoting the valorization of pomegranate processing by-products. Full article

Although CFM is a promising non-thermal stabilization technology for blackberry juice, its industrial application is limited by permeate flux decline during long-term operation, while most previous studies have focused on short processing times. This study evaluated the effect of high-shear homogenization prior to enzymatic depectination on flux decline, product quality, and techno-economic feasibility during CFM. Juice processed by conventional grinding, high-shear homogenization, and enzymatic treatment was filtered through a 0.2-µm ceramic membrane at 150 kPa using feed volumes of 100–400 L. Homogenization reduced particle size and suspended insoluble solids, resulting in higher permeate flux, improved flux stability, and greater productivity. Flux decline analysis showed that high-shear homogenization extended the stable filtration regime and delayed severe fouling, sustaining an average J_px of 65.3 L h⁻¹ m⁻² at VCR ~30 with feed volumes up to 400 L. Product quality was preserved, ensuring microbial reduction while improving anthocyanin and ellagitannin recovery (95% and 80%, respectively) and enhancing blackberry aroma. In addition, HS3+E reduced energy consumption and beverage production cost while achieving a positive NPV and a 21% IRR. Overall, homogenization improved the industrial feasibility of long-term CFM processing of Andean blackberry juice. Full article

Medicinal plants are a rich source of biologically active compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, ellagitannins and other secondary metabolites. However, the contribution of specific groups of phenolic compounds to antiproliferative activity remains insufficiently clarified. This study extends our previous crude-extract screening by evaluating whether C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) fractions with different phenolic profiles are associated with different antiproliferative responses. In parallel, extraction strategies were compared to assess method-dependent changes in phenolic recovery and antioxidant capacity, and an additional single-species vegetation-stage analysis of Chamaenerion angustifolium L. Holub was performed to evaluate harvest-stage effects. Phytochemical characterisation was performed using spectrophotometric assays and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. Among the tested extraction methods, 75% (v/v) methanol in water was the most effective conventional solvent, and ultrasound-assisted extraction yielded the highest overall TPC (total phenolic content), TFC (total flavonoid content), and RSA (radical scavenging activity) values. Vegetation stage analysis of C. angustifolium L. Holub revealed significant variation in phenolic content and antioxidant activity, with the highest levels observed at the beginning of the flowering. Antiproliferative activity was assessed against five cancer cell lines (4T1, A549, Caki-1, HCT116 and MCF7), while HEK-293 cells were used as an immortalised non-cancerous reference model for general cytotoxicity evaluation. Linear mixed-model analysis confirmed a significant incubation-time effect in all tested cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values generally decreasing after prolonged exposure. Statistically significant F2-F3 differences were plant-dependent. The 30% (v/v) methanol in water fraction (F2), enriched in oenothein B in C. angustifolium L., showed stronger antiproliferative activity, whereas the 60% (v/v) methanol in water fraction (F3) showed stronger activity in Quercus robur L., Juglans nigra L., Juglans regia L., and Solidago canadensis L. These findings indicate that antiproliferative activity was associated with the qualitative and quantitative composition of the selected phenolic-rich SPE fractions rather than with a single universal fraction effect. All tested fractions exhibited lower cytotoxicity toward HEK-293 cells under the applied conditions; however, claims of selectivity should be confirmed using additional normal or primary cell models. Overall, the findings clarify the role of extraction strategy, harvest stage and targeted fractionation in linking phenolic composition with biological activity. Full article

Chronic inflammation and the associated dysbiosis of the gut microbiota are increasingly recognized as key factors contributing to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The diet–gut microbiota–immune system–cancer axis is considered a key regulator of these processes. Among the bioactive compounds found in the diet, ellagitannins have garnered significant scientific interest due to their conversion by the gut microbiota into biologically active metabolites known as urolithins. Urolithin A (UroA), one of the best characterized compounds, exhibits broad anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer properties. It modulates signaling pathways associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell proliferation. Furthermore, UroA has been shown to improve intestinal barrier integrity, regulate immune cell activity, and induce mitophagy, thereby contributing to the restoration of mitochondrial and cellular homeostasis. A growing body of evidence also suggests that UroA may inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and disrupt the molecular pathways involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the biosynthesis and bioavailability of UroA, its molecular mechanisms of action in IBD, and its potential role in the prevention and treatment of CRC. Furthermore, the limitations of UroA-based therapies and future research directions are discussed. Although further, well-designed clinical trials are necessary, current findings suggest that UroA may represent a promising microflora-targeted therapeutic strategy in chronic inflammatory and CRC diseases. Full article

Urolithin A (UA) is a gut microbiota-derived postbiotic generated from dietary ellagitannins, while urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-SMT) is a surrogate marker of nocturnal melatonin output. We explored whether dysbiosis, UA depletion, and low 6-SMT define an ordered biomarker pattern across healthy aging, salt-sensitive hypertension, and advanced cancer. In this pilot observational study, patients with advanced solid tumors were classified as Cancer Group 1 (higher aggressiveness; n = 231) or Cancer Group 2 (lower aggressiveness; n = 118) and compared with healthy older controls (n = 117) and elderly participants with salt-sensitive hypertension (n = 333). Plasma UA decreased stepwise from controls (2.24 [1.38–3.12] nmol/L) to salt-sensitive hypertension (1.20 [0.76–1.89] nmol/L), Cancer Group 2 (0.60 [0.32–0.91] nmol/L), and Cancer Group 1, in which most samples were at or below the assay limit (overall p < 0.0001; trend p < 0.0001). Twenty-four-hour urinary 6-SMT declined in parallel, whereas the dysbiosis score, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and malondialdehyde (MDA) increased, and antioxidant indices decreased across the ordered groups (all p < 0.0001). These cross-sectional findings support a hypothesis-generating biomarker framework linking dysbiosis, postbiotic depletion, circadian disruption, inflammation, and redox imbalance across age-related disease states. Full article