Search Results (2,072)

Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop is a perennial plant of the family Asteraceae that is mainly distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Despite being widely recognized as an invasive weed in agriculture, most of the scientific evidence shows its significant phytochemical and pharmacological importance. In the present review article, a comprehensive summary of the available literature on C. arvense’s botanical properties, phytochemical composition, biological activities, standardization potential, and future therapeutic prospects has been carefully provided. This plant has been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammation, infections, bleeding disorders, and liver-related disorders. Phytochemical investigations showed the presence of many bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, sterols, tannins, glycosides, and volatile compounds. Among the reported biological activities, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties are the most studied activities. In addition, anticancer, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities have also been investigated. The environmental adaptability, rapid growth, and extensive root system of C. arvense highlight its potential for development as a sustainable medicinal and industrial crop. However, there are critical research gaps present in phytochemical standardization, toxicity assessment, pharmacokinetics, and clinical validation, warranting further comprehensive studies. Full article

This study evaluated the microbiological quality, phenolic compound profile, antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, and the presence of potential chemical markers associated with microplastic polymers in 35 commercial bee pollen samples obtained from the seven geographical regions of Türkiye. Microbiological analyses included the enumeration of total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, coliforms, yeasts and molds, lactobacilli, lactococci, and psychrophilic bacteria. Antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella Enteritidis using the disk diffusion method. Phenolic compounds were analyzed by HPLC-DAD, while characteristic pyrolysis products associated with microplastics were analyzed by PY-GC/MS. The results indicated that the pollen samples generally exhibited low microbial contamination levels and variable antimicrobial activity, depending on their geographical origin. Quercetin was identified as the predominant phenolic compound, and samples with higher phenolic content tended to show stronger antimicrobial effects, particularly against S. aureus. PY-GC/MS analyses revealed the presence of several chemical markers potentially associated with plastic polymers in a considerable proportion of the samples. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between total phenolic content and particularly S. aureus inhibition. These findings highlight the nutritional and functional value of bee pollen while also drawing attention to emerging food safety concerns related to possible exposure to plastic-associated environmental contaminants. Regular monitoring of bee pollen is therefore recommended to ensure product quality and consumer safety. Full article

Grape pomace is one of the most abundant byproducts of the wine industry. This by-product contains many valuable bioactive substances, including polysaccharides, amino acids, and polyphenols. To enable its effective reuse, this study developed and optimized a micelle-assisted extraction process using a 2% (w/w) decyl glucoside solution aqueous as an extraction medium. The influence of key process parameters—the pomace-to-medium ratio, extraction temperature, and extraction time—was systematically evaluated to determine their impact on extraction yield and the physicochemical properties of the recovered compounds. Extraction efficiency was assessed by determining total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS) using UV-VIS spectrophotometry and by determining selected phenolic compounds, amino acids, and sugars using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) The results demonstrated that all the parameters investigated significantly influenced the recovery of bioactive substances. The developed decyl glucoside-based micellar extraction proved to be an efficient, low-temperature, and environmentally favorable method for valorizing grape pomace, offering strong potential for cosmetic and related applications. Full article

The valorization of agri-food by-products generated during juice extraction represents a key strategy within circular economy frameworks, as it reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal while creating added value and improving the food supply chain. In this work, five betaine-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) differing in their hydrogen-bond donors, namely citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycerol, and ethylene glycol, were used for the green extraction of blueberry pomace, a largely underutilized by-product that is nevertheless rich in bioactive compounds. The extracts were characterized by liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array and tandem mass spectrometric detection, allowing targeted profiling of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolics, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic aldehydes. The extraction performance of NaDES was benchmarked against conventional solvents (water and ethanol) to evaluate differences in selectivity and efficiency toward distinct phenolic classes. Antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Among the NaDES systems, the betaine–citric acid NaDES extract exhibited notable phenolic recovery together with marked radical scavenging activity. After evaluating its inhibitory activity against elastase and tyrosinase, enzymes involved in the skin aging process, the selected NaDES extract was incorporated into a natural-based antiaging cosmetic formulation, and its main physicochemical properties were assessed to verify suitability for topical application. This study demonstrated that the use of NaDES represents an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to transform blueberry by-products into high-value, safe, and ready-to-use cosmetic functional ingredients without the need for solvent removal. Full article

Banana (Musa acuminata), the second most cultivated fruit worldwide, generates approximately 220 tons of agricultural waste per hectare annually, with nearly 80% of the plant biomass remaining underutilised after harvest. Banana inflorescence, an underutilised by-product of banana cultivation, is commonly discarded despite its rich nutritional and bioactive composition, contributing to agricultural waste and environmental concerns. This study aimed to develop and evaluate banana inflorescence lozenges as a nutraceutical supplement while promoting sustainable agricultural waste valorisation. Freeze-dried banana inflorescence powder was incorporated into a hard lozenge formulation using the melt-and-mould method, and the formulation was optimised through physical evaluation. The optimised lozenges demonstrated acceptable mechanical properties, including friability of 0.13%, hardness of 55.16 kg/cm², and disintegration time of 35 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR) confirmed the compatibility between the active ingredient and excipients. The formulated lozenges exhibited a total phenolic content of 22.74 ± 0.74 mg GAE/g DW and moderate antioxidant activity, with ABTS and DPPH IC₅₀ values of 30.65 mg/mL and 72.53 mg/mL, respectively. In vitro antidiabetic assays demonstrated α-glucosidase inhibition of 45.80% and α-amylase inhibition of 98.11%. Mineral analysis further revealed appreciable levels of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Although some reduction in bioactivity was observed following processing and formulation, banana inflorescence still demonstrated potential as a sustainable functional ingredient for nutraceutical applications and agricultural waste valorisation. Further studies involving stability assessment and in vivo validation are recommended. Full article

Phenolic compounds, essential for grape quality, are affected by environmental factors, including abiotic stressors such as hail. This study examined the impact of varying levels of natural hail damage on the physicochemical parameters, phenolic composition, and antioxidant capacity of Thompson seedless grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) under Mediterranean climatic conditions. The research was carried out in a commercial vineyard in Greece during the 2015 growing season, following a major hailstorm. Three treatments were implemented: control (undamaged), moderate hail damage, and total hail damage. The results showed that pH levels and specific physiological parameters, including proline concentration, were significantly influenced across treatments. Detailed analysis revealed that the concentrations of phenolic compounds generally increased with greater hail damage, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity and metabolic adaptation to natural hail-induced mechanical stress. Additionally, individual phenolic compounds, such as flavanols, hydroxybenzoic acids, and stilbenes, responded differently to hail damage, demonstrating complex regulatory mechanisms in grape metabolism. These findings underscore the importance of understanding grapevine biochemical responses to extreme weather events in the context of climate change, as changes in phenolic composition can directly affect grape quality. Full article

Non-indigenous or alien macroalgae are increasingly recognized as ecological threats, sources of raw material, and reservoirs of bioactive compounds for industry and agriculture. This review analyses the valorization potential of this biomass, focusing on their antifungal and elicitor activities against phytopathogenic fungi, particularly Mediterranean (De Bary) Whetzel, 1945. The literature published since 2020 was retrieved from Scopus using targeted keyword combinations. Three major topics were examined: (i) invasive and beach-cast macroalgal and their ecological context, (ii) antifungal and elicitor properties of macroalgal extracts, and (iii) the use of deep eutectic solvents (DES) for the green extraction of bioactive compounds. Species such as Asparagopsis armata, Rugulopteryx okamurae, and Sargassum muticum have shown promising antifungal and elicitor effects, frequently associated with phenolic compounds and polysaccharides. Extracts from these algae can inhibit the growth of fungi or activate plant defense pathways, providing environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Moreover, DES and natural DES (NADES) offer tunable, biodegradable solvents capable of efficiently extracting these bioactive molecules while reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional organic solvents. Overall, the valorization of this biomass represents a sustainable strategy that simultaneously mitigates ecological and economic impacts and contributes to the development of sustainable inputs in agriculture. Full article

As global trends continue to embrace environmentally friendly, plant-based diets, food systems that are nutrient-dense, climate-resilient, and economically viable in addressing protein–energy malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity have increased. Although cereal–legume combinations are widely recognised to be highly nutritious, most studies have focused primarily on enhancing compositional efficiency and have overlooked their interactions with the food matrix and the processing-mediated transformations they undergo. This review combines recent findings examining cereal–legume food matrices as functional systems, with particular emphasis on nutritional complementarity, bioactive interactions, processing-induced modifications, and sensory acceptability. Studies indicate that cereals and legumes provide complementary amino acid profiles, dietary fibre, essential micronutrients, and phytochemicals within these composite matrices that influence digestibility, bioavailability, antioxidant activity, and glycaemic response. Processing methods, including fermentation, germination, roasting, and extrusion, modulate these interactions by releasing bound phenolics, reducing antinutritional factors, and altering starch–protein–phenolic complexes, thereby affecting health functionality and sensory quality. However, inadequately optimised processing can affect nutrient retention and consumer acceptability. Overall, this review emphasises the relevance of integrating food matrix science and processing optimisation for the production of functional, acceptable, and sustainable cereal–legume foods that promote product innovation, public health improvement, and the utilisation of underutilised crops for sustainable food systems. Full article

Background: The residues of Camphora officinarum c.t. borneol after essential oil extraction are often discarded, causing resource waste and environmental pollution, while the edible fungi industry is facing a shortage of traditional cultivation substrates. Methods: This study integrated UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS to comprehensively profile volatile and non-volatile metabolites. Samples included fresh branches and leaves (ZSXY) and residues after steam distillation (ZSZL), boiling combined with distillation (ZSSZ), and sun-drying after distillation (ZSSG). Results: In total, 2454 metabolites across 25 categories were detected. PCA revealed clear separation between fresh samples and all processed samples, with ZSZL and ZSSZ exhibiting similar metabolic profiles that were distinctly separated from ZSSG. Compared with ZSXY, most metabolites decreased after processing. ZSSG exhibited the strongest degradation, with 1408 down-regulated and only 146 up-regulated metabolites, and total terpenoid content decreased by 92.27%. ZSZL retained the highest levels of nutrients (e.g., amino acids and nucleotides) and bioactive compounds (e.g., phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids), with 322 up-regulated metabolites. Among the specific comparisons, 113, 212, and 487 differentially accumulated metabolites were identified in ZSXY vs. ZSZL, ZSXY vs. ZSSZ, and ZSXY vs. ZSSG, respectively. KEGG enrichment revealed distinct pathway alterations: monoterpenoid degradation and biosynthesis pathways were activated in ZSZL, nitrogen metabolism-related pathways were disturbed in ZSSZ, and both limonene and pinene degradation and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis pathways were enriched in ZSSG. Conclusions: Based on metabolomic profiling, steam distillation residues exhibited favorable retention of nutrients and bioactive compounds, whereas sun-drying led to excessive metabolite loss. These findings support the valorization of processing residues and promote circular agriculture. However, whether these residues can serve as effective substrates for edible fungi cultivation remains to be tested in dedicated cultivation trials. Full article

This review aims to critically examine food industry by-products as potential sources of natural preservatives and to discuss how this evidence can be translated into adolescent food literacy, label interpretation, and critical food choices. Adolescents are increasingly exposed to food labels and claims about “natural,” “clean-label,” “upcycled,” “sustainable,” and “circular” foods, which may not always be transparent or supported by sufficient evidence regarding their safety, efficacy, sensory quality, consumer acceptance, or environmental benefit. Therefore, they need more than nutritional information; they need to interpret labels, question sustainability claims, and understand how food innovations are produced, tested, communicated, and regulated. Food by-products such as fruit and vegetable pomaces, peels, seeds, skins, olive and wine residues, cereal by-products, coffee silverskin, and cocoa residues are promising resources for clean-label preservation and circular food systems because they may contain phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins, essential oils, pectin, dietary fibers, and other compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, coloring, stabilizing, and texturizing properties. However, the bioactive potential alone does not guarantee that a by-product-derived ingredient is safe, effective, acceptable, scalable, or sustainable. Its use requires extraction, stabilization, real-food validation, safety assessment, sensory optimization, regulatory compliance, and sustainability evaluation. The review concludes that by-product-derived natural preservatives are both technological resources and educational tools. Future research and education should connect food preservation, label interpretation, food safety, sensory quality, sustainability evidence, and consumer decision-making to empower adolescents as critical consumers and informed agents of change in sustainable food systems. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable food packaging has intensified interest in biodegradable materials that can reduce environmental impact while preserving food quality. Among these materials, biodegradable polyester–starch composite films functionalized with phenolic compounds have gained attention as promising active packaging systems. They combine the melt processability and structural stability of polyesters, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with the renewability and biodegradability of starch and the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective functions of phenolics, such as ferulic acid, quercetin, tea polyphenols, and anthocyanins. This review discusses recent advances in the selection of biodegradable polyesters, starch and thermoplastic starch blending, phenolic incorporation strategies, and their effects on compatibility, morphology, mechanical strength, barrier properties, optical behavior, release, and active packaging functionality. The characteristics and functionality of these films are governed not only by the individual components but also by phase morphology, interfacial interactions, phenolic location, processing conditions, and release control. Key challenges include polyester–starch incompatibility, TPS moisture sensitivity, phenolic stability during melt processing, migration safety, controlled release, and industrial scale-up. Collectively, biodegradable polyester–starch films functionalized with phenolic compounds represent a promising route for developing next-generation sustainable active packaging and may contribute to circular economy approaches. Full article

The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is increasingly exposed to environmental stressors that affect redox homeostasis, leading to imbalances in cellular functions. Natural bioactive compound-based nutritional strategies show promise in reducing oxidative stress while preserving redox signaling. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, cytotoxicity, and redox-modulating effects of an aqueous extract of the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus on the AmE-711 honey bee cell line. High-resolution Orbitrap LC–MS analysis revealed a chemically diverse extract comprising polyols, organic acids, amino acids, phosphorylated sugars, nucleotide derivatives, phenolic, and lipid-related compounds. Among the identified metabolites were mannitol, malic acid, citric acid, glutamic acid, and uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine, providing a biochemical basis for potential metabolic and redox-related activity. Cell viability assays demonstrated that A. bisporus extract exhibited no significant cytotoxicity under the experimental conditions. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy with the TEMPONE spin probe showed that untreated cells exhibited only minimal signal reduction (4.20%), while treatment with the extract alone caused a moderate decrease (12.08%), indicating the absence of reductive stress. Oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide resulted in a pronounced TEMPONE signal reduction (37.88%), whereas co-treatment with the A. bisporus extract substantially attenuated this effect, lowering the signal reduction to 15.34%. These findings suggest that the aqueous A. bisporus extract may help preserve basal redox activity while attenuating peroxide-induced oxidative stress in AmE-711 honey bee cells. Rather than acting as a potent radical scavenger, the extract appears to function as a mild redox modulator or stabilizer under the tested conditions, which may be beneficial for honey bee cellular redox balance. These results support further investigation of physiologically appropriate A. bisporus-based dietary supplements for mitigating oxidative stress in apicultural systems. Full article

Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae), a globally invasive weed native to the Americas, is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions and is listed as invasive alien species in many countries. Despite its ecological hazards, it possesses a long history of traditional use and substantial resource potential that remains incompletely synthesized. This review systematically compiles ethnobotanical records from 15 countries, documenting 60 traditional medicinal indications across 14 disease categories spanning Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. A structured cross-referencing analysis reveals that 26 (43.33%) of these traditional applications are supported by 17 verified pharmacological mechanisms, mediated by 19 classes of bioactive compounds, principally flavonoids, polyacetylenes, and phenolic acids. Among these, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, and antimicrobial activities are the most consistently validated. Moreover, this review synthesizes four non-medicinal utilization pathways: dietary use, animal feed, environmental remediation, and industrial raw materials. The resource value of B. pilosa has been independently recognized in the native and introduced ranges alike. Building on this evidence, we propose a “control-through-utilization” framework. To mitigate potential risks in practical exploitation, three targeted strategies are put forward, including timely harvesting, on-site processing and heavy metal safety inspection. This review supports the sustainable management of B. pilosa and offers methodological references for resource exploitation and control of other invasive plants. Full article

The increasing volume of discarded apples generated by commercial grading standards and postharvest losses represents both an environmental burden and an opportunity for sustainable valorization. Despite growing interest in circular economy strategies in the fruit-processing sector, a comprehensive review of the technological, microbiological, and nutritional factors influencing cider production from discarded apples remains limited. To address this gap, this review discusses key aspects of cider production from discarded apples, focusing on raw material characterization, nutrient management, yeast strategies, and fermentation technologies. The physicochemical and microbiological properties of discarded apples are examined, including soluble solids, acidity, phenolic composition, and microbial spoilage risks. Special attention is given to nutrient optimization, particularly yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN), vitamins, and minerals, as deficiencies may cause sluggish fermentation and adversely affect volatile compound formation and stability. This review evaluates yeast selection, comparing Saccharomyces cerevisiae with non-Saccharomyces yeasts and mixed fermentations, highlighting their effects on chemical composition, aroma, and sensory quality. Innovative approaches such as yeast immobilization and repeated-batch fermentation are reviewed as tools to improve process performance. Key technical challenges, including variability in raw material quality, nutrient supplementation needs, contamination risks, and process scalability, are discussed alongside opportunities for valorization of cider pomace within a circular economy framework. Full article

Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus) processing generates large amounts of agro-industrial waste, including stems, leaves, and bracts. These by-products represent a valuable and underexplored source of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic acids, flavonoids, pectin, and inulin, which exhibit significant nutritional, health-promoting, and functional properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of green extraction strategies applied to the recovery of bioactive compounds from globe artichoke waste, with emphasis on green extraction techniques such as deep eutectic solvent, ultrasound-assisted, microwave-assisted, enzyme-assisted, subcritical water, supercritical CO₂, and the use of green solvents. Nutritional composition and biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects of artichoke waste extracts, are critically discussed. Given the inherent instability and limited bioavailability of many phenolic compounds, recent advances in encapsulation and stabilisation approaches, alginate-based systems, spray-drying, and nano and microencapsulation technologies are highlighted as effective strategies to enhance shelf life and controlled release. The valorisation of globe artichoke waste through green extraction and encapsulation of bioactive compounds contributes to circular economy principles by reducing environmental impact while adding value. Overall, the promising role of artichoke by-products as sustainable resources for functional food development is discussed. Full article