Search Results (401)

UV-C irradiation is an innovative postharvest technique for increasing the safety of fruits and vegetables. This study investigated the effect of UV-C rays (UV-C1 = 0.26 KJ/m²; UV-C2 = 0.40 KJ/m²; UV-C3 = 0.67 KJ/m²; and UV-C4 = 1.34 KJ/m²) on the preservation of the antioxidants, hardness, and color of fresh green asparagus during storage. UV-C1 and UV-C2 significantly maintained higher total phenolic content (10.6%), total flavonoid content (36%), rutin (14.3%), quercetin (27.03%), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (21.25%), and antioxidant activity (DPPH 7.5%). Over three weeks of storage, quercetin, ferulic acid, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside increased, while rutin and caffeic acid decreased. Storage caused a significant change in the color and hardness of the control sample, but UV-C4 counteracted hardening for up to three weeks, and UV-C3 was the best dose for stabilizing color during storage. This study indicates that the choice of UV-C dose can be modulated based on the characteristics that are intended to be preserved in green asparagus, maintaining a balance between nutraceutical and hedonic characteristics. To maintain the maximum level of nutraceutical compounds over time, UV-C2 can be adopted, while to preserve texture and color, UV-C3 and UV-C4 are a better choice. Full article

Flavonols, representing a subclass of flavonoids, are an important group of polyphenols. Their activity is associated with a number of beneficial properties, including hepatoprotective, senolytic, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties. They are found abundantly in many fruits, vegetables, and plant products, but flavonols’ chemistry and structural properties result in their low bioavailability in vivo. In recent years, more and more studies have emerged that aim to increase the therapeutic potential of compounds belonging to this group, including by developing innovative nanoformulations. The present work focuses on the various steps, such as chemical analysis of the compounds, preformulation studies using drug delivery systems, preclinical studies, and finally clinical trials. Each of these elements is important not only for the innovation and efficacy of the therapy but most importantly for the patient’s health. There are also a limited number of studies assessing the population concentration of flavonols in the blood; therefore, this review presents an up-to-date survey of the most recent developments, using the most important compounds from the flavonol group. Full article

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a disorder of human lipid metabolism or transport, primarily characterized by abnormally elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. It is a key factor contributing to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Statistics show that the prevalence of dyslipidemia among Chinese adults is as high as 35.6%, and it has shown a trend of younger onset in recent years, posing a serious threat to public health. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of dyslipidemia carry significant social significance. The pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia is complex and diverse, and currently used medications are often accompanied by side effects during treatment, making the research and development of new therapeutic approaches a current focus. Numerous studies have shown that flavonoids, which are abundant in most medicinal plants, fruits, and vegetables, exert effects on regulating lipid homeostasis and treating hyperlipidemia through a multi-target mechanism. These compounds have demonstrated significant effects in inhibiting lipid synthesis, blocking lipid absorption, promoting cholesterol uptake, enhancing reverse cholesterol transport, and suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal microbiota disorders. This article reviews the latest progress in the mechanisms of flavonoids in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, providing a theoretical basis for future research on drugs for hyperlipidemia. Full article

Quercetin (QE) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. It is recognized for its diverse pharmacological activities. Among its many therapeutic potentials, its antidiabetic properties are of particular interest due to the growing worldwide prevalence of diabetes mellitus. QE improves glycemic control by enhancing insulin sensitivity, stimulating glucose uptake, and preserving pancreatic beta cell function. These effects are mediated by the modulation of key molecular pathways, including AMPK, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2/ARE, as well as by the suppression of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6. Furthermore, QE mitigates the progression of diabetic complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and vascular dysfunction, reducing lipid peroxidation and protecting endothelial function. However, the clinical application of quercetin is limited by its low water solubility, poor bioavailability, and extensive phase II metabolism. Advances in formulation strategies, including the use of nanocarriers, co-crystals, and phospholipid complexes, have shown promise in improving its pharmacokinetics. This review elucidates the mechanistic basis of QE quercetin antidiabetic action and discusses strategies to enhance its therapeutic potential in clinical settings. Full article

Insights into dynamic regulatory factors in various stages of growth and development can guide strategies for precision and targeted breeding. Bitter gourd, as a vegetable product with medicinal value, plays a role in both agricultural and medical fields. In this study, phenotypic observations, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses, and differential gene expression patterns, along with a correlation analysis, were conducted in different stages of fruit growth and development. The results revealed that the growth rate of fruit’s fresh weight, length, diameter, and flesh thickness during the first seven days was slow, and that it then rapidly increased after the seventh day, and finally slowed once more after 17 days, indicating that the overall process followed a “slow–fast–slow” pattern. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified several differentially expressed genes and metabolites, and joint analyses revealed that each of the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fructose and mannose metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways individually play significant roles in the dynamic regulation of fruit growth and development during the early, middle, and late stages. Among these, 53 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 12 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were found in these pathways. A total of 12 randomly selected DEGs were analyzed using quantitative PCR, and the results showed that gene expression levels were generally consistent with transcriptomic sequencing results, exhibiting dynamic changes with varying expression levels. Correlation analysis revealed that 11 DEMs were positively correlated with four traits except for arbutin, while eight DEGs were related to all traits, including six significantly positive and two significantly negative correlations. These findings enhance our understanding of the regulatory network governing yield and quality and provide substantial evidence to support improvements in breeding programs. Full article

This study investigated the phytochemical content of melon sprouts obtained from by-product seeds of fruit processing and the elicitation effect obtained by the application of salinity to the growing substrate. Seeds from two melon Cultivars (Thales and SV9424ML) were sprouted at 0, 12.5, 25, and 50 mM NaCl concentrations (Salt). Due to intra-lot seed variability in germination speed, sprouts were harvested at 1 and 2 weeks after sowing (WAS), included as an experimental factor (Harvest), collecting, at each harvest, only those that had reached the ready-to-eat stage. Seed germination, shoot and root lengths, fresh and dry weights, and their content in phenolic compounds were determined. Cultivar, Harvest, and Cultivar × Harvest interaction affected sprout phenolic compound content more than Salt. In general, Thales exhibited a significantly greater phenolic compound content (+67.9%, on average). Harvest influenced phytochemicals, with sprouts at 2WAS exhibiting lower flavonoid and hydroxybenzoic acid levels (−31.3% and −73.0%, respectively), yet higher hydroxycinnamic acid content (+298.6%). This was a consequence of variations in p-coumaric and ferulic acids at 2WAS and in flavonoids at 1WAS. Moreover, Salt had an appreciable effect only on Thales, at moderate levels (25 mM NaCl). Our results suggest that the sprouting of by-product seeds of vegetables should be finely modulated based on the seed intra-lot variability in germination speed and on cultivar responsiveness to salinity for phytochemical elicitation. Full article

Pomegranates are rich in nutrients and classified among ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables. Although this ready-to-eat produce offers convenience, it presents risks associated with pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting the need for pre-sale disinfection. Ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) constitute an innovative non-thermal processing technology for food products, offering reduced heat generation and lower energy consumption compared to traditional ultraviolet (UV) irradiation methods. This study analyzed the effects of UV-LED technology on pomegranate seed quality over 0 to 5 days of storage. The results demonstrated significant increases in anthocyanins, polyphenols, ascorbic acid, and the antioxidant capacity in pomegranate following treatment, peaking on day 3. In contrast, the control group showed declining trends. After treatment, the aerobic mesophilic counts and counts of mold and yeast levels during storage measured between 2.73–3.23 log CFU/g and 2.56–3.29 log CFU/g, respectively, significantly lower than the control group. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis showed that UV-LED treatment prompted modifications in the biosynthetic pathways of flavonoids, flavonols, and anthocyanins. The expression of peonidin-3-O-rutinoside chloride increased by 46.46-fold within the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. In conclusion, UV-LED treatment represents a potential approach to the disinfection of ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables. Full article

Capparis spinosa L. (caper) is an important medicinal plant whose bioactive compounds vary significantly depending on its growth stage. This directly affects its pharmaceutical and nutritional value. Collecting C. spinosa at the optimal growth stage is essential to achieving high phytochemical quality and meeting consumer needs. This study aimed to evaluate the variation of these active compounds in the aerial parts of C. spinosa across four phenological stages (vegetative, flowering, unripe fruit, and ripe fruit). The result showed that EO content was highest in unripe fruits (0.18%) and lowest in the flowering stage (0.07%) in leaves, while extract yield was highest in leaves of the ripe fruit stage (14.65%) followed by the flowering stage in flowers (12.66%). Flowering stage leaves showed the highest total phenol (56.20 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (17.10 mg QE/g) content, while the lowest concentrations were found in the ripe fruit stage of the leaves. EO analysis showed that methyl isothiocyanate reached the highest concentration in flowers at the flowering stage (41.6%), while isopropyl isothiocyanate reached the highest concentration in leaves at the ripe fruit stage (36.2%). Isobutyl isothiocyanate was found exclusively in fruits, with the highest concentration in ripe fruits (9.2%). Dimethyltrisulphide showed a maximum concentration in leaves at the vegetative stage, decreasing by 76.6% as the plant developed towards the ripe fruit stage. The dominant phenolic acids varied between phenological stages: cinnamic acid at the vegetative stage; rosmarinic and cinnamic acids at the flowering stage in leaves; caffeic and cinnamic acids in flowers; vanillic, cinnamic, and rosmarinic acids at the unripe fruit stage in leaves and fruits; and rosmarinic, cinnamic, and vanillic acids in ripe fruits. The results indicate that harvesting C. spinosa at the vegetative stage and in the leaves of the flowering stage is optimal for maximum secondary metabolite yield, providing valuable guidance for growers targeting food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

By-products from the fruit and vegetable processing industry represent a substantial source of bioactive compounds, which can be extracted and utilized in the development of functional foods or nutraceuticals, thereby contributing to sustainable nutrition and waste valorization. Pumpkin peels are particularly abundant in bioactive components and contain significant fiber, protein, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This study determined the chemical composition, the content of water- and fat-soluble vitamins, and the antioxidant activity of peels from five pumpkin species: Cucurbita pepo ‘Kamo Kamo’, C. maxima ‘Bambino’, C. moschata ‘Butternut’, C. argyrosperma ‘Chinese Alphabet’, and C. ficifolia ‘Chilacayote Squash’. The highest moisture content was observed in the peels of C. ficifolia (89.2 mg 100 g⁻¹ WW). In contrast, the highest amounts of protein (14.82 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), fat (1.59 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), and ash (7.46 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW) were recorded in C. maxima peels. The peels of C. moschata contained the highest levels of total sugars (9.17 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), reducing sugars (8.48 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW), and fiber (19.04 mg 100 g⁻¹ DW). The peels of all analyzed pumpkin species were rich in amino acids and water- and fat-soluble vitamins. The highest levels of polyphenols and flavonoids and the most potent antioxidant properties (DPPH and FRAP) were found in the extract from C. argyrosperma peels. The findings of this study highlight the potential of pumpkin peels as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. Full article

Background and Objectives: Myricetin, a flavonoid compound, was demonstrated to effectively arrest the cell-to-cell fusion and syncytial development triggered by Nipah virus (NiV) fusion (F) and attachment (G) envelope glycoproteins in vitro involving two permissive mammalian cell lines. Methods: Time-of-addition assays were carried out using codon-optimized NiV wild type (WT) F and G plasmids followed by a challenge with the addition of myricetin 1 h and 6 h post-transfection in HEK 293T and Vero cells. Results: Upon evaluating different myricetin concentrations, it was determined that a 100 μM concentration of myricetin effectively inhibited 64–80% of syncytia in HEK and Vero cells. Interpretation & Conclusions: In this study, we concluded that myricetin mitigated the syncytial development in HEK and Vero cell lines. Given the flavonoid attributes of myricetin which is widely present in fruits, vegetables, tea, and wine, it may be regarded as a phytonutrient and a safer antiviral alternative against Nipah virus infections. Due to the BSL-4 nature of the virus, further research involving live virus culture is necessary to confirm myricetin as a potential antiviral compound for the mitigation of pathological effects of NiV infections. Full article

Fruit color serves as a crucial visual indicator in chili peppers and is closely linked to the bioactive components that determine their economic and nutritional value. However, the specific components and potential molecular mechanisms that impact fruits’ development and color changes are less thoroughly understood. Here, we utilized three chili pepper varieties (CS03, CS29, and L816) at different developmental stages (young fruit stage, turning color stage, and mature stage) as research materials and integrated transcriptome and non-targeted metabolome analyses to explore the variation in bioactive components and color to explain the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying different colors of chili peppers during the young fruit stage. Our results showed that flavonoids were the most enriched differential metabolites; aromadendrin 4′-glucoside, diospyrin, precarthamin, kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-3-O-Glucoside were significantly enriched in the young fruit stage of pepper CS03; and cyanidin, delphinidin, and cyanidin 3-glucoside were major contributors to the color formation. The upregulation of anthocyanin was related to the structural genes CaC4H, Ca4CL, CaCHS, CaF3H, CaANS, and CaUFGT, and key transcription factors such as CaMYBs and CabHLHs may have contributed to the differential accumulation of anthocyanins in CS03; in addition, RT-qPCR validation was correlated with anthocyanins, but also with flavonoids. This article mainly focuses on the changes in chili pigments, particularly anthocyanins, and explores the molecular mechanisms involved. This provides a reference for research on color in solanaceae vegetables and lays a theoretical foundation for further research on the bioactive components of chili peppers, as well as for optimizing harvesting practices and dietary recommendations. Full article

Every year, around 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally, with fruits and vegetables making up a significant portion. One by-product of this waste is pomace—the solid remains after juice extraction—which is rich in valuable nutrients like fiber, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, organic acids, vitamins, and minerals. Common sources of pomace are apples, grapes, citrus fruits, and berries. Researchers have highlighted its potential use in the confectionery industry. For example, replacing flour with pomace in cookies can improve antioxidant content and reduce hardness. Adding grape pomace to gummy candies increases levels of anthocyanins, flavanols, and proanthocyanidins while enhancing texture. Fortifying waffles with raspberry pomace boosts their nutritional value and may inhibit enzymes linked to free radical production. As a functional ingredient, pomace could help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and colon cancer. Using fruit waste in food production supports sustainability by reducing waste and improving nutrition. Public awareness efforts, such as the NRDC’s Save the Food campaign, underscore the importance of repurposing food waste. Investing in functional confectionery made with pomace offers both health and environmental benefits, making it a key ingredient for sustainable food innovation. However, despite increasing attention to functional foods, the potential of fruit pomace specifically in confectionery has not been reviewed comprehensively. This review aims to fill this gap, providing a focused synthesis on the use of fruit pomace in the confectionery industry, identifying research trends, challenges, and practical applications. Full article

Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a nutritionally rich root vegetable. It is a potential alternative raw material for pestil, a traditional fruit-based snack. This study aimed to develop a healthy beetroot-based pestil using traditional boiling (95 °C) and novel pretreatment methods, including thermosonication and microwave processing, with and without additional concentration steps. The effects of these methods on heat treatment period, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) formation, and the physicochemical, sensorial, nutritional, and chemometric profiles of pestils were evaluated. The beetroot-based snack formulated in this study was hedonically acceptable (≥5/9) and rich in essential minerals (Ca, K, Na, P, Mg) and trace elements (Zn, Fe, Mn), as determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Total antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) ranged from 113.11 to 870.78 mg Trolox^® equivalent/100 g dry matter (DM). Total phenolic, flavonoid, and betalain contents varied between 220.6–313.8 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g DM, 365.08–517.46 mg rutin equivalent/100 g DM, and 314.40–488.66 mg/kg, respectively. Major flavonoids identified and quantified included epicatechin, rutin, isoquercitrin, taxifolin, and quercetin, while major phenolic acids identified were chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, o-salicylic acid, p-coumaric acid, and vanillin, using liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Reducing the soluble solids content of the pestil pulp from 40 to 20 Brix degrees, in combination with thermosonication and microwave treatments, significantly shortened the processing time by 10–67%. This approach also reduced the HMF content to the limit of quantification (LOQ). Pretreatment methods significantly (p < 0.05) affected the levels of minerals and bioactive compounds in the pestils. These findings highlight the importance of process optimization to improve overall safety and the nutritional quality of the pestil. Full article

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a highly challenging malignancy to treat, with a high mortality rate and limited therapeutic options. Despite advances in cancer research, the prognosis for patients diagnosed with PDA is often poor due to late-stage detection and resistance to conventional therapies. Consequently, there is growing interest in the potential of bioactive compounds as alternative or adjuvant treatments, given their ability to target multiple aspects of cancer biology, offering a more holistic approach to treatment. In the context of PDA, certain bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols (found in fruits, vegetables, and tea), flavonoids, carotenoids and compounds in cruciferous vegetables, have shown potential in inhibiting cancer cell growth, reducing inflammation, and promoting cancer cell apoptosis. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms, by which these bioactive compounds exert their effects, modulating the oxidative stress, influencing inflammatory pathways and regulating cell survival and death. It also highlights current clinical trials that are paving the way toward incorporating these natural agents into mainstream treatment strategies, with the goal of boosting the efficacy of conventional therapies for PDA. Full article

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains a significant global health challenge with limited FDA-approved treatments, necessitating the search for novel preventive strategies. Antioxidants that are present in fruits and vegetables have garnered attention due to their potential neuroprotective effects. Among these, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has emerged as a promising source of neuroprotective antioxidants as it is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and hydrolysable tannins. Pomegranate seed oil (PSO) is a source of bioactive compounds that may modulate key pathological processes of AD. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of PSO in murine neuroblastoma N2a cells treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate AD-like inflammation. The effects of PSO on inflammation and oxidative stress markers, including TNF-α, iNOS, SOD1, and IL1β, were evaluated, along with changes in AD-related biomarkers Aβ₄₂, Aβ₄₀, and p-tau181. Additionally, the study extended its findings to clinical settings by assessing the impact of supervised PSO consumption for 12 months on similar biomarkers in patients with mild cognitive impairment. Results from this integrative approach demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of PSO, supporting its role in modulating AD-associated pathophysiology. These findings suggest that PSO may serve as an early-stage intervention to delay or mitigate AD progression, highlighting its therapeutic potential in preclinical and clinical contexts. Full article