Search Results (501)

To elucidate the impacts of climatic and edaphic factors on the chemical composition and bioactivities of black mulberries, this study conducted a systematic comparative analysis of fruits sourced from four regions in Xinjiang: Turpan (T), Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (B), Hotan (H), and Kashgar (K). H exhibited the highest contents of total phenolics and total tannins, whereas T showed elevated levels of total flavonoids and flavan-3-ols. Notably, samples from B and H demonstrated superior antioxidant potential. Using UPLC-MS/MS, a total of 48 anthocyanin metabolites and 4 non-anthocyanin metabolites were identified in the mulberry fruits. Among these, 6 were region-specific compounds, and 8 were identified as differential metabolites. Furthermore, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with GC-MS/MS revealed 292 volatile metabolites, of which 15 were identified as differential metabolites based on OPLS-DA and relative odor activity value (rOAV) analyses. Metabolite profiling indicated that B possessed the greatest diversity of volatile metabolites, while T exhibited a remarkable richness in anthocyanin diversity. The observed regional variations in chemical constituents and metabolite profiles collectively accounted for the differences in antioxidant capacity and enzyme inhibitory activities among the black mulberry fruits. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the regional characterization and targeted processing of black mulberries from the four production areas in Xinjiang. Full article

Sustainability challenges in the wine sector have intensified the need for alternatives to conventional oak barrel maturation, a practice associated with high wood consumption, long maturation periods, and considerable economic and environmental cost. This study evaluates a resource-efficient maturation strategy for white wine using an experimental design comparing conventional oak alternatives with ultrasound-assisted extraction. Experiments were conducted in triplicate (n = 3) considering oak type (French chips vs. granules), dosage, toasting level (fresh, light, medium), and contact time (10 vs. 20 days). To enhance mass transfer, a 15 min ultrasound treatment (35 kHz) was applied. Statistical analysis (ANOVA One Way) indicated that oak fragment type and contact time significantly governed phenolic extraction (p < 0.05). Gallic acid concentrations increased significantly from 1.54 ± 0.03 mg L⁻¹ in the control to 4.41 ± 0.12 mg L⁻¹ in the most intensive ultrasound-assisted extraction treatment (p < 0.05). Syringaldehyde concentrations also showed a significant rise (1.13 to 1.44 mg L⁻¹; p < 0.05). Ultrasound significantly accelerated extraction kinetics while mitigating the loss of flavan-3-ols (≤28%) compared to conventional oak treatments (up to 34%). Economic assessment demonstrated a substantial reduction in production costs, from 0.21–0.56 € L⁻¹ range for standard fragment treatments to 0.05–0.07 € L⁻¹ when ultrasound was applied. Cost-efficiency metrics (<0.03 € mg⁻¹ gallic acid) confirmed that the combination of ultrasound and alternative oak materials provides an optimal, statistically significant balance between phenolic yield and economic viability. Full article

Anhua dark tea, a protected geographical indication product in Hunan, China, derives its value from specific mountain micro-terroirs, including Furongshan, Gaoma Erxi, and Yuntaishan. Across these areas, micro-terroir and cultivar variations impart distinctive chemical components to the decisive raw material (locally known as Hei Mao Cha). For the authentication of these specific origins, we developed a rapid HPLC-DAD method coupled with the ATLD algorithm, enabling the quantification of caffeine and seven major flavan-3-ols within five minutes. Our method achieved satisfactory accuracy, with average recoveries of 84.73–119.88% and RMSEP values ranging from 0.28 to 4.39 μg/mL. We subsequently applied PCA and FCA, which revealed distinct clustering patterns of the tea samples by their mountain origin. Notably, Furongshan and Gaoma Erxi exhibited markedly distinct chemical profiles, while Yuntaishan showed intermediate characteristics. This integrated HPLC-DAD/ATLD protocol, coupled with non-linear t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) followed by random forest (RF) classification (validation accuracy: 85.7%), offers a practical solution for the fine-scale geographical traceability of raw dark tea, supporting quality control and providing insights into how micro-terroir shapes tea chemistry. This approach can be readily adapted for the authentication of other geographical indication products. Full article

Black tea, a tea fully fermented by polyphenol oxidase, is widely recognized for its distinctive flavor and diverse health benefits largely attributed to its various phenolic components. An extensive phytochemical investigation of black tea made from the leaves of Camellia taliensis (Theaceae), a wild tea plant distributed in Yunnan province, China, led to the isolation and characterization of 15 flavan-3-ol derivatives, among which four previously unreported products (1–4), including two flavoalkaloids (1–2), one flavan-3-ol (3) and one nitrogen-containing phenol (4), were identified. When evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, 10 of the isolates showed stronger activities than quercetin and acarbose (IC₅₀ = 5.75 and 223.30 µM, respectively), with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.09 to 3.57 µM. Notably, compound 15 displayed exceptional potency with an IC₅₀ of 0.09 μM, approximately 60-fold lower than that of quercetin. These findings highlight the potential of black tea produced from C. taliensis for the development of functional foods targeting postprandial hyperglycemia management. Full article

Honeysuckle berries (Lonicera caerulea) represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds, primarily flavonoids, and iridoids. This study compared the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of resin-purified extracts from ripe, unripe, and unripe lactofermented honeysuckle berries. Polyphenols and iridoids were identified using UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS and quantified using HPLC-PDA. A total of 6 anthocyanins, 7 phenolic acids, 9 flavan-3-ols, 8 iridoids, 8 flavonols, 3 flavones, and 1 flavanonol were identified in the extracts. The extract from ripe fruits was characterized by a high cyanidin glycoside content (273.59 mg/g) and high iridoid content (138.30 mg/g). The amount of individual iridoids varied among the extracts, with the highest level of loganic acid detected in the unripe fruit extract (39.42 mg/g) and the highest level of sweroside in the ripe fruit extract (55.59 mg/g). Phenolic acid content was approximately twofold higher in extracts from unripe and fermented fruits compared with ripe fruit extracts, suggesting a decrease during ripening, while fermentation did not significantly affect phenolic acid content. Among flavonols, quercetin and isorhamnetin derivatives were identified, with quercetin 3-O-rutinoside being the predominant compound in all extracts. The ripe fruit extract exhibited the strongest radical scavenging activity (in ABTS and DPPH assays), ferric ion-reducing power (FRAP), and α-amylase inhibition, while all extracts exhibited comparable α-glucosidase inhibition. These findings indicate that L. caerulea extracts, especially from ripe fruits, are a rich source of biologically active compounds with potential relevance for managing oxidative stress and hyperglycemia. Full article

Consumer interest in low-SO₂ white wines is increasing; however, such approaches may reduce compositional and sensory predictability. This study evaluates how three fermentation strategies—SO₂ addition and Saccharomyces cerevisiae ES181 inoculation (SO₂Sc), spontaneous fermentation (NoSO₂-Spont), and inoculation with S. cerevisiae ES181 without SO₂ addition (NoSO₂Sc)—shape the chemical profile, polyphenolic composition, colour, microbiological status, and sensory perception of ‘Solaris’ wines relative to the must (reference). A single batch of ‘Solaris’ must (one press run) was split into three variants and fermented under identical temperature conditions (12 ± 0.5 °C), followed by cool ageing and natural sedimentation prior to bottling. Basic oenological parameters, selected fermentation by-products, viable yeast counts, CIE Lab colour, targeted polyphenolics (phenolic acids, flavonols, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes), PCA of by-products, and blind sensory evaluation were assessed. The NoSO₂-Spont variant showed reduced fermentation completeness (higher residual sugars and lower ethanol) and the highest volatile acidity, together with elevated glycerol and several higher alcohols, and received the lowest sensory ratings. The SO₂Sc variant yielded the most controlled outcome, with the lowest volatile acidity, the brightest colour (higher L*, lower b*), and the highest sensory acceptance. The NoSO₂Sc variant produced intermediate sensory scores and a higher total phenolic content; however, volatile acidity remained high and viable yeast counts were the greatest, indicating increased susceptibility to microbiological activity during extended pre-bottling handling. Overall, the SO₂Sc strategy provides the greatest chemical stability and sensory acceptance, whereas low-SO₂ regimes require a hurdle approach (oxygen control, residual sugar management, hygiene, and stabilisation) to limit spoilage development and post-bottling refermentation. Full article

Apples (Malus domestica Borkh.) are among the most widely consumed fruits worldwide and represent a significant dietary source of phenolic compounds. Efficient extraction is a critical step for the isolation, characterization, and quantification of phenolic compounds. The extraction yield and composition are strongly influenced by multiple parameters, including solvent type and concentration, temperature, extraction time, solid-to-liquid ratio, and the presence and concentration of acidifying agents. This study aimed to optimize an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) procedure using response surface methodology (RSM) to evaluate the effects of extraction temperature, solvent-to-sample ratio (SSR) and citric acid concentration on total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Statistical analysis showed that SSR and temperature were the most influential factors affecting phenolic recovery, while citric acid concentration exerted a secondary, interaction-driven effect. Optimization using a desirability function identified the operating conditions that maximized phenolic and flavonoid recovery: 55 °C, 10 mL/g SSR and 0.2% citric acid concentration. Model predictions were validated experimentally, confirming the reliability of the approach for TPC and TFC. Chlorogenic acid and flavan-3-ols, including monomers, such as catechin and epicatechin, and polymers such as procyanidins, were identified. Overall, the proposed approach provides a statistically supported framework for phenolic compound analysis in apples. Full article

Theaflavin-3,3′-digallate (TF3), a flavan-3-ol derivative found in black tea, exhibits anti-tumor activity, but its mechanism of action in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be elucidated. Here we systematically delineate how TF3 targets Pin1 to suppress HCC through an integrated approach combining computational simulations, enzyme assay and cell-based assays. TF3 spontaneously occupies the active site of Pin1 with a docking score of −8.9 kcal/mol, inhibiting its PPIase activity (IC₅₀ = 60.33 μmol/L) and yielding a binding constant (K_a) of 3.1 × 10⁵ mol/L. Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assays further corroborated that TF3 directly engages Pin1 within HCC cells. Functionally, TF3 potently suppressed the viability of HepG2, SK-Hep-1 and Huh-7 cells in both dose- and time-dependent manners (IC₅₀ = 61.22, 14.09 and 69.85 μmol/L at 24 h, respectively), and exhibited a modest selectivity window against the viability of L02 and THLE-2 cells (IC₅₀ = 133.43 and 90.29 μmol/L at 24 h, respectively). In addition, TF3 triggers mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, evidenced by ROS accumulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, an elevated Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, cytochrome c release and enhanced PARP cleavage, and induces G₂/M phase arrest. It also robustly inhibits HCC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, coinciding with downregulation of proteins governing cell cycle progression and invasive behavior. Transcriptome profiling coupled with enrichment analysis discovered that TF3 treatment differentially regulated 5009 genes, which were prominently enriched in pathways linked to apoptosis, cell cycle control, MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Western blotting analysis revealed that TF3 selectively suppresses phosphorylation of p38 and the PI3K/AKT cascade, activating JNK phosphorylation. In summary, our findings indicate that TF3 suppresses HCC proliferation by targeting Pin1, with attendant modulation of the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways, thereby presenting a potential candidate for targeted HCC therapy. Full article

Leaves of Actinidia chinensis Planch. var. deliciosa (A.Chev.) A.Chev. (A. deliciosa) represent agro-industrial byproducts with potential for valorization. The present study evaluated the metabolomics profiling, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity of the methanolic extract of A. deliciosa leaves. The metabolomics profiling was determined using an untargeted metabolomic approach employing UPLC-HRMS. Cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and antigenotoxicity were assessed in Chinese hamster ovary K1 (CHO-K1) cells using the in vitro cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The metabolic profile of A. deliciosa leaf extracts revealed the presence of three major classes of secondary/specialized metabolites: proanthocyanidins, flavonols, and triterpenoid saponins. Medium-polar metabolites were monomeric fla-van-3-ols, such as (+)-catechin and (−)-epicatechin, oligomeric procyanidins and prodelphinidins, and flavonols. Certain glycosylated flavonols and their derivatives, such as myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Low-polarity metabolites were characterized by low-polarity triterpenoids such as maslinic, corosolic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids. At concentrations of 37.5, 75, and 150 µg/mL, the extract did not significantly increase micronuclei frequency compared to untreated control cells, indicating an absence of genotoxic potential. Moreover, co-treatment of CHO-K1 cells with the extract and mitomycin C (MMC) at 0.025 µg/mL resulted in a significant reduction in micronuclei formation induced by MMC at concentrations of 75 and 150 µg/mL, suggesting antigenotoxic activity likely associated with the phytochemical constituents presented in the extract. Full article

Smoothies represent a promising vehicle for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and bioactive diversity. However, their formulation often lacks a rigorous analytical validation of phytochemical complementarity. This study establishes a methodological framework for the design of potential functional plant-based beverages, centered on a high-resolution LC-MS/MS-driven strategy. Through a targeted screening of 57 (poly)phenolic compounds, a precise phytochemical mapping of diverse botanical matrices was performed to optimize ingredient selection based on chemical diversity rather than empirical blending. A novel formulation combining Granny Smith apple, green celery, dried green chicory, and peppermint leaves was developed to maximize both bioactive density and structural variety. The resulting matrix achieved a total (poly)phenol concentration of 2947.68 ± 5.17 µg/g dm, encompasses six major subclasses: flavan-3-ols, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavonols, flavones, and dihydrochalcones. The results demonstrate that analytical fingerprinting allows for the strategic enrichment of food systems, ensuring a highly characterized and diversified phenolic spectrum. This research shifts the focus toward the evidence-based molecular design of health-promoting foods with verified nutritional properties. Full article

Actinidia arguta is a valuable plant resource known for its diverse bioactive constituents. However, organ-dependent metabolic variation remains insufficiently explored. In this study, an integrated approach combining LC–QTOF–MS-based metabolomic profiling, multivariate analysis, and phytochemical isolation was employed to investigate metabolic differences among fruits, leaves, and roots of A. arguta. Comparative LC–QTOF–MS profiling and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed clear organ-specific metabolic differentiation. The root extract formed a distinct cluster, primarily characterized by flavan-3-ol oligomers, including procyanidin dimers and a trimer. Targeted isolation and spectroscopic analysis identified these compounds as major constituents of the root. Quantitative analysis showed that the root exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (60.8 ± 6.2%) and total phenolic content (10.8 ± 0.7 mg GAE/g dried weight), followed by leaves and fruits, indicating significant organ-dependent variation. The enhanced antioxidant activity observed in the root extract was consistent with the enrichment of oligomeric procyanidins, which are known for their strong radical-scavenging capacity. These findings demonstrate pronounced organ-specific metabolic specialization in A. arguta, with the root characterized by a condensed tannin–dominant chemical profile. This study highlights the potential of root-derived procyanidins as bioactive natural products and provides a basis for their utilization in functional and phytochemical applications, as well as insights into plant defense-related metabolism. Full article

Industrial processing of apple to obtain products like juice or cider generates a significant amount of pomace, which represents 25–30% of the fresh fruit mass. Different technologies are needed to valorize apple pomace (AP), considering its significant amount of high-value compounds, such as fiber, vitamins, and polyphenols. Hot-air convection (CA) and infrared (IR) drying are widely used methods for preserving polyphenols from by-products, such as apple pomace (AP), while also extending their shelf life. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of CA and IR drying on drying kinetics, color parameters, and the preservation of polyphenolic compounds, as well as to identify a sustainable extraction approach. Both drying methods significantly affected the color characteristics and content of polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. A significant impact was noticed at higher temperatures, which may be associated with the partial inactivation of browning enzymes. IR drying resulted in a shorter drying time and lower specific energy consumption compared to CA. Furthermore, the assessment of solvent efficiency in ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) indicated that the natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) composed of choline chloride and glycerol (1:1 molar ratio) provided superior recovery of phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity compared to conventional solvents and the other NaDES analyzed. Optimization of UAE conditions using this polyol-based NaDES allowed for achieving an extract characterized by a polyphenolic profile dominated by flavan-3-ols (catechin and epigallocatechin), followed by phenolic acids, mainly chlorogenic acid. These results confirm the potential of AP as a valuable source of bioactive compounds and of polyol-based NaDESs as a sustainable and efficient alternative for their recovery. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a significant global health challenge, highlighting the need for novel dual inhibitors targeting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). This study investigated the trunk bark of Terminalia triptera Stapf. as a potential source of bioactive secondary metabolites for AD management. Bioassay-guided isolation led to the identification of two flavan-3-ol derivatives, epicatechin-(4β→8)-ent-catechin (1) and (−)-catechin (2), reported here for the first time from this species. In vitro assays demonstrated that the dimeric compound 1 exhibited stronger dual inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE, with IC₅₀ values of 4.41 × 10⁻⁴ and 4.75 × 10⁻⁴ mol/L, respectively, surpassing the reference compound berberine chloride. Molecular docking analysis revealed that compound 1 formed extensive interactions within both catalytic and peripheral anionic sites of the enzymes. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations indicated high kinetic stability, reflected by large HOMO–LUMO energy gaps (6.66–6.97 eV), while global reactivity descriptors suggested lower electrophilicity (ω = 2.19–2.34 eV), supporting a potentially favorable safety profile. Furthermore, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable ligand–protein complexes stabilized by hydrogen-bond networks and deep binding within catalytic pockets. Overall, these findings highlight T. triptera and its dimeric proanthocyanidins as promising multi-target candidates for anti-Alzheimer drug development. Full article

Inter-row mulching with reflective film (RF) has been increasingly adopted in cool-climate vineyards to improve light availability and promote grape ripening. This study investigated the effects of ground-reflected light on the flavoromic profiles of wine grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.) over two consecutive vintages (2020–2021) in the Beijing Fangshan region of Eastern China, an area characterized by high precipitation and limited sunlight during ripening. Physicochemical analyses showed that RF treatment significantly increased total soluble solids (TSSs) and decreased titratable acidity (TA) at harvest. Targeted metabolomic analyses using HPLC–MS and GC–MS identified 21 flavonoids and 35 volatile compounds responsive to altered light conditions. RF treatment markedly enhanced the accumulation of anthocyanins and flavonols, especially malvidin-based derivatives, and increased terpene and norisoprenoid concentrations, while C₆/C₉ compounds were more abundant in control berries. Multivariate analysis revealed that PC1 was mainly associated with anthocyanin accumulation, clearly separating RF-treated samples, whereas PC2 reflected differences in flavonols and flavan-3-ols, with higher flavonols under RF and higher skin- and seed-derived flavan-3-ols in controls. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ground-reflected light plays a critical role in modulating grape flavor composition and provides practical guidance for improving fruit quality in suboptimal climatic regions. Full article

Solid-state and submerged fermentation (SSF and SmF) were evaluated as bioprocessing strategies to enhance the recovery and bioactivity of phenolic compounds from blueberry bagasse. Fermentation was performed using Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275 and Rhizopus oryzae BIOTEC018, alongside non-inoculated controls. Extracts (SmF filtrate, buffer, methanol, and buffer-methanol) were obtained and analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity over 0–60 h. Methanolic extracts obtained after 24 h of SSF were further selected for profiling of individual phenolics and for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and cytokine responses. Compared with SmF and non-inoculated controls, SSF—particularly when combined with methanolic extraction—was associated with modified phenolic recovery patterns at 24 h, including increases in TPC and differences in anthocyanin preservation. SSF promoted the accumulation of phenolic acids and flavan-3-ols, together with improved preservation of major anthocyanins. These compositional changes translated into higher antioxidant capacity and a marked reduction in ROS and NO levels (≈40–60% of oxidant or LPS controls). Cytokine responses were strain-dependent, indicating regulated immune modulation rather than generalized inflammation. Overall, fungal SSF combined with methanolic extraction modulated the phenolic profile and associated biological responses of blueberry bagasse under laboratory conditions. Full article