Search Results (8,456)

Vacuum drying is a promising alternative to conventional dehydration for heat-sensitive vegetables, although process temperature can significantly affect both drying behavior and product quality. In this study, vacuum drying of cauliflower florets (Brassica oleracea) was evaluated at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C under 10 kPa, using freeze-drying as a reference. Desorption isotherms were determined at 50 and 70 °C and fitted to common models, where the GAB model provided excellent fits (R² = 0.9999 and 0.9997, respectively). The drying kinetics were successfully described by four thin-layer models, with the Midilli–Kucuk and Weibull models performing best overall. Color was significantly affected, with total color differences (ΔE) ranging from 15.9 to 20.6 and higher browning indices at elevated temperatures. Bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, and glucosinolates) and antioxidant potential (by DPPH and ORAC assays) were quantified to assess changes in functional quality across treatments. Bioactive compounds showed the highest values at the highest temperatures (60–80 °C). The DPPH assay remained stable between 50 and 80 °C, but ORAC assay decreased with increasing temperature, suggesting that vacuum drying at 60–70 °C offers the best balance between overall bioactive retention and functionality for producing cauliflower powder. Full article

Background/Objectives: The most abundant flavonoid, quercetin, which is mostly found as glycosides, is widely distributed in plants. Quercetin is rapidly metabolized, having a short half-life in the blood circulation, and forms its conjugates by undergoing ring cleavage of the benzopyranone ring system. Despite its fast clearance in the body, quercetin was demonstrated to have clinically anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anti-obesity activities. This study aimed to determine whether quercetin itself or its metabolites are responsible for these activities. Methods: We performed molecular docking of 27 metabolites, including quercetin itself, against ten inflammation-related proteins in silico. We then conducted microscale thermophoresis (MST) of selected metabolites towards the NLRP3 inflammasome. Results: Overall, Phase II metabolites yielded better binding energies compared to the metabolites formed by degradation. MST results revealed that isorhamnetin, the 4-O-methylated metabolite of quercetin, gave the best results, with a binding affinity (K_D value) of 16.12 ± 5.16 µM, even better than quercetin itself, which has a binding affinity of 44.84 ± 4.21 µM. Glucuronide metabolites of quercetin (isorhamnetin 3-O-glucuronide, quercetin 7-O-glucuronide, and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide) were found to bind to the inflammasome protein with low binding affinities, whereas small degradation products (hippuric acid and 3,4-dihydroxytoluene) did not bind at all. Conclusions: These results suggest that Phase II metabolites, specifically isorhamnetin, may contribute more significantly to the biological activity of quercetin than the parent compound, however, degradation products appear inactive. Full article

Chimonobambusa utilis is a dominant bamboo species in China, yet its leaves remain an underutilized resource despite their significant bioactive potential. To elucidate the metabolic reprogramming of Ch. utilis leaves across an elevational gradient and its link to antioxidant phenotypes, we integrated widely targeted metabolomics with redox profiling of leaves collected from 1150, 1600, and 2000 m in the Qingba Mountains. The mid-elevation (1600 m) group exhibited the most robust antioxidant capacity and the highest total flavonoid content. Metabolomic analysis identified 3113 metabolites across 13 classes, with flavonoids (604 compounds, 22.7% of total abundance) emerging as the predominant secondary metabolites. Pairwise comparisons revealed 1716 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). KEGG enrichment indicated that while the low-elevation (1150 m) group prioritized primary metabolism and upstream phenylpropanoid branches, the high-elevation (2000 m) group was associated with photoprotection and defense responses. In contrast, the mid-elevation environment optimized the flux toward flavonoid biosynthesis while maintaining steady metabolic supply. HPLC quantification further confirmed that key markers—vitexin, hyperoside, orientin, and luteoloside—peaked at 1600 m. Correlation analysis between 423 differential flavonoids and antioxidant indices demonstrated that distinct radical-scavenging activities are driven by specific flavonoid structural motifs. Overall, altitude-driven metabolic remodeling, characterized by a mid-elevation advantage for flavonoid accumulation, dictates the antioxidant plasticity of Ch. utilis leaves. Full article

Propolis is a bee product with a complex chemical composition that exhibits remarkable antifungal activity against C. albicans and can inhibit resistant biofilms thanks to its content of compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Its efficacy varies depending on its geographic origin: European propolis inhibits the initial formation of biofilms, while Brazilian propolis is superior at inhibiting mature biofilms. This product also possesses fungicidal and fungistatic properties comparable in efficacy to conventional drugs, such as nystatin, fluconazole, and chlorhexidine. The use of nanotechnology, such as nanoparticles or nanorods, has overcome the low solubility of propolis compounds, improving their bioavailability and reducing cell adhesion and hyphal formation. Moreover, the integration of propolis into dental materials demonstrate its versatility for preventing recurrent infections. The study of isolated compounds such as pinocembrin, galangin, and chrysin has facilitated the identification of specific mechanisms of action, and the application of molecules such as guttiferone E in photodynamic therapies and the discovery of quorum-sensing inhibitors, such as kaempferol, using in silico models have opened new avenues for blocking yeast communication and virulence. These findings position propolis as a multifaceted and promising therapeutic alternative, although there is a need to optimize formulations to ensure clinical safety and biocompatibility. In this review, we analyze research published around the world over the last 15 years on the effects of propolis against C. albicans biofilms. Full article

Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk. (carqueja) is widely used in traditional medicine and culinary practices in the Iberian Peninsula; however, most studies have focused on its flowers, while its stems remain largely unexplored, despite representing a significant proportion of the plant biomass. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of P. tridentatum stems as a source of bioactive compounds using different extraction methodologies. Aqueous, hydroethanolic, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) were applied, and the resulting extracts were characterized in terms of their extraction yield, protein and carbohydrate content, phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity in HaCaT and Caco-2 cell lines. Phenolic profiling by LC-ESI-QqTOF-HRMS tentatively identified 37 compounds, mainly corresponding to flavonoid and isoflavonoid glycosides, with genistein derivatives representing the dominant constituents across all extracts. Although extraction yields differed among methods, phenolic profiles were broadly similar. UAE and PLE extracts showed slightly higher antioxidant activity, while antimicrobial activity was limited, with only moderate inhibition observed against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Malassezia furfur. Additionally, cytotoxicity assays indicated low toxicity. Overall, the results demonstrate that P. tridentatum stems represent a promising yet underutilized biomass source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant potential and low cytotoxicity under the tested in vitro conditions. Full article

Astragalus species have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various conditions, and they have recently been used to treat dermatological diseases. Health benefits of Astragalus extracts, especially Astragalus membranaceus Fisch. ex Bunge (synonym of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge), result from the multitude of secondary metabolites identified in their genus, including saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides. Astragalus species, traditionally valued for their systemic medicinal properties, are increasingly recognized as potent sources of ingredients for the cosmeceutical industry. While A. membranaceus remains the most prominent representative, this review explores the broader genus as an emerging reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites. For this purpose, current publications regarding the topical effects of Astragalus species in the treatment of dermatological diseases were collected. Several Astragalus extracts and their compounds have been shown to display biological activities with skin rejuvenating, photoprotective and antimicrobial properties, wound-healing activity, and therapeutic effects on atopic dermatitis and alopecia. However, these articles have limitations because of their use of non-human mammals and the short duration of trials, and future research is needed to fill these gaps. Full article

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic fungal pathogen capable of causing a wide range of infections, including mucosal and systemic candidiasis. In the oral cavity, fungi represent a minor component of the microbiome but can significantly contribute to morbidity, particularly under conditions of dysbiosis or immunosuppression. Treatment remains challenging due to increasing multidrug resistance. This study investigates the in vitro antifungal potential of Viroelixir, a standardized polyphenol blend derived from green tea and pomegranate and enriched in catechins (including epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG), ellagitannins (notably punicalagin), ellagic acid, and flavonoids, with particular focus on its potential anti-virulence mechanisms. Methods: The effect of Viroelixir on C. albicans growth was assessed using MTT assay, optical density measurements, colony formation, carbohydrate quantification, and pH variation analysis. Biofilm formation, morphological transition, ROS production, necrosis, virulence gene expression, adhesion, and host immune responses were also evaluated. Results: Viroelixir significantly inhibited C. albicans growth and reduced colony formation compared with untreated controls. The formulation also inhibited biofilm formation and markedly reduced pseudohyphal development, reaching up to 94% reduction under specific treatment conditions. Flow cytometry analysis showed an increase in dead fungal cells, reaching approximately 88% following exposure to Viroelixir at the highest tested concentration. In addition, Viroelixir reduced the transcript levels of several virulence-associated genes, including SAP1–SAP9 and EAP1. In epithelial cell co-culture models, pre-treatment of C. albicans with Viroelixir reduced fungal adhesion and attenuated epithelial inflammatory responses, including IL-6, IL-8, and hBD-2 production, and was associated with reduced activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the antifungal and anti-virulence effects observed may be associated with the polyphenolic compounds present in the Viroelixir formulation, highlighting its potential as a promising in vitro antifungal candidate against C. albicans. Full article

Gum arabic (GA)-based edible coatings enriched with natural bioactive compounds offer a promising strategy for reducing postharvest losses and maintaining fruit quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of GA coatings supplemented with carvacrol or caffeine in preserving the physicochemical quality, antioxidant status, and marketability of ‘Murcott’ mandarins during cold storage (5 ± 1 °C, 90–95% RH) for 60 days followed by 4 days of shelf life. Fruits were treated with distilled water (control), GA (10%), GA + imazalil (2000 ppm), GA + carvacrol (200 ppm), and GA + caffeine (200 ppm). Key quality parameters, including weight loss, decay incidence, firmness, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA), total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX), were evaluated. The results demonstrated that GA-based coatings, particularly GA + carvacrol, significantly reduced weight loss and decay while maintaining firmness and visual quality compared to the control. Coated fruits exhibited lower electrolyte leakage and MDA levels, indicating improved membrane integrity and reduced lipid peroxidation. In addition, the treatments enhanced antioxidant capacity, as reflected by increased phenolic and flavonoid contents and higher CAT and POX activities. Multivariate analysis further confirmed the strong association between coating treatments and improved quality attributes. In conclusion, GA coatings enriched with carvacrol or caffeine effectively improved postharvest quality and extended the shelf life of ‘Murcott’ mandarins, highlighting their potential as safe and eco-friendly alternatives to conventional postharvest treatments. Full article

Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Less. is used as a traditional medicine in South Africa to treat tuberculosis, abdominal pains, heartburn, coughs, colds, female sterility, eczema and wounds. In Uganda, the leaves are used to treat dental/oral diseases. This review aims to provide detailed information on the traditional uses, essential oils, phytochemistry, in silico studies, and pharmacological studies and propose possible future research directions on this widely investigated species. The data was gathered from various online electronic databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, SciFinder, Wiley Online, SpringerLink, and PubMed. Reports on the essential oil composition of H. odoratissimum showed the dominance of monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid compounds. Several studies also reported the isolation of the non-volatile compounds, which were mainly flavonoids and terpenes. The species has been reported to have pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antimycobacterial, antioxidant activity, antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory activity and antityrosinase activity. The most important study on H. odoratissimum was a clinical trial in human participants in South Africa addressing its in vivo irritancy potential. However, further research on the clinical and scientific aspects is needed to justify some of its other medicinal uses. Full article

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) are promising eco-friendly alternatives to traditional solvents for extracting phenolic compounds from plant materials. However, their effectiveness depends on both solvent composition and the botanical matrix. This study examined water, ethanol, and choline chloride–urea (CCU) and choline chloride–glycerol (CCG) systems containing 30% or 60% NADES for the extraction of anthocyanins, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) from cornflower, safflower, and pomegranate flowers. Pomegranate flowers exhibited the highest levels of anthocyanins, total phenolics, and antioxidants, while safflower showed the highest total flavonoid content. Overall, the 60% NADES formulations delivered the best extraction results, whereas ethanol had the lowest overall efficiency. A combined heatmap analyzing all responses identified 60% CCU and 60% CCG as the most effective solvents across all tested materials. Anthocyanin stability in pomegranate flower extracts was further evaluated over 8 weeks at 4 and 20 °C. First-order kinetic analysis revealed that ethanol and 60% CCG maintained the highest anthocyanin stability, whereas 60% CCU exhibited the lowest stability, especially at 20 °C. These findings support the use of NADES as efficient solvents for floral bioactives, while indicating that the highest extraction yield does not necessarily correlate with the best storage stability. Full article

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe and progressive cardiopulmonary disorder with limited treatment options. Camellia petelotii (Merr.) Sealy (CP) contains multiple flavonoids and other phytochemicals, but its active compounds and molecular mechanisms in PAH remain unclear. Active compounds of CP were screened by comprehensive literature mining and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) evaluation. PAH-related hub targets were identified from transcriptomic data using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), machine learning, and external validation. Functional enrichment, immune infiltration, and single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses were performed to characterize their biological roles and cellular localization. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations assessed compound–target interactions. The effects of CP were further evaluated in hypoxia-induced rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (RPASMCs). Five core bioactive compounds were identified, among which luteolin and quercetin were prioritized for further analysis. HSP90AA1 and ROCK2 were screened as hub targets. Bioinformatic analyses suggested that these targets were mainly associated with the “Lipid and atherosclerosis” pathway, metabolic reprogramming, and modulation of the immune microenvironment. Single-cell analysis showed broad expression of HSP90AA1 and enrichment of ROCK2 in fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations supported stable binding of luteolin to HSP90AA1. In vitro, CP extract inhibited hypoxia-induced hyperproliferation of RPASMCs and reduced HSP90AA1 protein expression. HSP90AA1 may represent a candidate molecular mediator of CP in PAH, and CP inhibited hypoxia-induced RPASMC proliferation in association with downregulation of HSP90AA1. Full article

Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids for human nutrition, which is also known to be gluten-free. In this research, black, red, white, and gray quinoa were germinated to ferment beers. The effects of germination as a bioprocess on the nutritional profile, anti-nutrients, and flavor development in quinoa beers were systematically investigated, and a comprehensive comparison was made with two commercially popular beers. The results indicated that the optimal germination time for quinoa in beer production was 48 h. Germination significantly increased the contents of polyphenols (255.9 mg/L in white quinoa beer) and flavonoids (404.34 mg/L in red quinoa beer), which enhanced the antioxidant activity of the beers. Furthermore, the levels of protein and γ-aminobutyric acid were elevated through germination. Notably, germination markedly improved the potential nutritional accessibility of the beers through reducing the anti-nutritional factors, including phytic acid, tannins, and trypsin inhibitor. In terms of flavor, quinoa beers developed a unique and pleasant aromatic profile, characterized by compounds such as ethyl octanoate, ethyl 9-decenoate, and ethyl pentadecanoate, which distinguished them from commercial beers. In conclusion, germinated quinoa can serve as a high-quality brewing material for producing beer with enhanced nutritional value, reduced anti-nutrients, and improved flavor characteristics. Full article

This study presents a comparative evaluation of solar cabinet drying and traditional open-air sun drying with respect to their influence on the retention of water-soluble vitamins and flavonoids in Plantago major L. leaves, aiming to identify an effective and sustainable drying strategy for functional food applications. Freshly harvested leaves were subjected to both drying methods under comparable environmental conditions. To account for possible structural heterogeneity, external and internal leaf tissues were analyzed separately. Qualitative and quantitative determination of bioactive compounds was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). Flavonoids were analyzed at detection wavelengths of 254 and 276 nm, while water-soluble vitamins (C, B₂, B₃, B₆, and B₉) were determined at 250 nm. Quantification was carried out using external calibration, and results were expressed as concentrations (mg/g dry matter). The results demonstrate that solar cabinet drying provides superior preservation of oxidation- and light-sensitive bioactive compounds compared to open-air sun drying. In particular, vitamin C content in solar cabinet-dried samples reached 91.62 mg/g, which was more than three times higher than that observed after open-air drying (26.90 mg/g). Solar cabinet drying also enhanced the retention of key antioxidant flavonoids, notably dihydroquercetin (14.23 mg/g vs. 11.21 mg/g) and luteolin (0.38 mg/g vs. 0.26 mg/g). Although slightly higher concentrations of certain compounds, such as rutin and vitamins B₆ and B₉, were detected in open-air-dried samples, the overall nutraceutical profile favored solar cabinet drying. In conclusion, the controlled microclimate of the solar cabinet dryer significantly improves the stability and retention of critical water-soluble vitamins and antioxidant flavonoids in Plantago major L. leaves. These findings confirm that solar cabinet drying is a nutritionally advantageous, energy-efficient, and sustainable approach for producing high-quality plant-based ingredients suitable for functional food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Phthalates are a group of organic compounds widely used for enhancement in flexibility and transparency of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products. Exposure to phthalate-containing substances has been shown to affect brain function, particularly in learning and memory processes. Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid with remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. This study investigated the possible protective effects of quercetin on spatial learning and memory, histomorphometric changes, and hippocampal expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in male mice exposed to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Methods: A total of 42 male mice were divided into seven groups. Quercetin was administered orally at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day, either alone or in combination with DEHP (200 mg/kg/day). Following the final day of the treatment, spatial learning and memory were assessed by the Morris Water Maze test. Hippocampal tissues were sampled for Nissl, H&E, and immunofluorescence staining. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of TNF-α and IL-6. Results: The DEHP group exhibited significant impairments in learning and memory, neuronal damage, and cellular disorganization in the hippocampus, along with increased astrocyte activation and elevated expression of TNF-α and IL-6. On the other hand, quercetin supplementation significantly reduced these inflammatory markers and histological damages and also improved spatial learning and memory. Conclusions: Overall, quercetin improves cognitive function that is associated with attenuating astrocyte activation and inflammation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale), an endangered ornamental and medicinal orchid, displays significant variability in its bioactive compounds depending on geographical and environmental factors. To decipher these influences, we investigated metabolic divergence across three cultivars (GN, LS, DX) cultivated in greenhouse and outdoor conditions using untargeted metabolomics. Methods: Metabolites extracted from stem and leaf tissues were analyzed via UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap MS, and the raw data were processed using XCMS for peak alignment and quantification. Differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) were identified by multivariate statistical analyses including PCA and OPLS-DA. Metabolic pathways were annotated using KEGG, HMDB, and LIPID Maps databases, with enrichment analysis and visualization performed via TBtools II and Hiplot. Results: Metabolite profiling and multivariate analysis revealed distinct chemotypes. The DX cultivar exhibited anthocyanin enrichment in its stems, correlating with a red pigmentation, while GN accumulated specific amino acid derivatives. Tissue-specific metabolic specialization was evident, with leaves displaying greater flavonoid diversity and stems prioritizing lipid and amino acid metabolism. Outdoor cultivation enhanced flavonoid biosynthesis, whereas greenhouse conditions favored alkaloid accumulation. Functional analysis identified both conserved pathways, like phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and varietal-specific adaptations in amino acid and secondary metabolism. Notably, alkaloid levels declined sharply during plant defoliation. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that environmental factors and geographical origin synergistically shape the metabolic profiles of D. officinale. This provides a scientific basis for optimizing cultivation strategies—through targeted environmental adjustments and varietal selection—to enhance the yield of desired bioactive compounds. Full article