Search Results (1,765)

Low temperatures severely restrict tea plant (Camellia sinensis) growth and yield stability, yet how brassinosteroid (BR) signaling modulates cold acclimation at a systems level remains insufficiently defined. Here, we integrated transcriptomic and UHPLC–MS metabolomic profiling of tea leaves under Control, 24-epibrassinolide (EBR), Cold, and Cold + EBR treatments to delineate BR-potentiated cold responses. Principal component analyses revealed clear treatment-specific separation and tight clustering of biological replicates at both omics levels. Quantitatively, cold stress induced extensive reprogramming (4075 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 298 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs)), whereas EBR alone exerted relatively modest effects (231 DEGs and 50 DAMs). Notably, EBR under cold conditions further reshaped cold-responsive networks (371 BR-modulated DEGs and 17 BR-modulated DAMs), consistent with a potentiating role for BR signaling. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted phenylpropanoid metabolism and hormone signal transduction as core responsive modules, with coordinated activation of key gateway genes (PAL, C4H, and 4CL) and concurrent engagement of lignin-, flavonoid-, and catechin-associated branches under Cold + EBR. Metabolomic analyses identified flavonoids as the dominant responsive metabolite class (49.31%), particularly anthocyanins and flavonol glycosides. Integrative TF–metabolite–gene correlation networks prioritized WRKY transcription factors (TEA001162, TEA027058) and a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene (TEA025792) as candidate hub genes linking hormone signaling to phenylpropanoid outputs. Collectively, this work provides a systems-level framework of co-regulated transcript–metabolite modules and candidate molecular targets, offering a foundation for functional validation and practical improvement of cold resilience in tea production. Full article

Drought stress is one of the most critical abiotic stresses restricting global crop production, and sorghum plays an important role in arid and semi-arid areas due to its inherent drought tolerance compared to many other cereals. However, significant variation in drought tolerance exists among different sorghum genotypes, which provides an opportunity to dissect the underlying mechanisms. In this study, a drought-tolerant sorghum line (LNR-6) and a drought-sensitive line (LR-2381) were used for comparative analysis. Plants were grown under two water regimes: well-watered conditions (CK, soil water content maintained at 40%) and drought stress (soil water content reduced to 24%). Integrated transcriptomic and non-targeted metabolomic analyses were conducted to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying sorghum drought tolerance. Phenotypic analysis showed that drought stress significantly reduced plant height and chlorophyll content in the drought-sensitive genotype, whereas the drought-tolerant genotype showed only minor changes. Transcriptome analysis identified several enriched functional categories of differentially expressed genes between the two genotypes under drought stress. Among them, genes associated with limonene and pinene degradation, photosynthesis, and photosynthesis-antenna proteins were significantly enriched and may be involved in drought-response regulation. Metabolomic analysis revealed significant accumulation of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids under drought conditions. KEGG pathway enrichment further indicated that flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were the most significantly enriched metabolic pathways. Overall, these findings enhance our understanding of the coordinated transcriptional and metabolic responses underlying drought tolerance in sorghum. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natural compounds occupy a pharmacologically rich chemical space, characterized by abundant scaffolds, extensive functional group elaboration, and defined stereochemistry. In this context, Helichrysum italicum, a Mediterranean medicinal plant, represents a valuable source of polyphenols with multiple biological and pharmacological activities. Methods: Here, we introduce an inverse molecular docking fingerprint approach to systematically investigate eight major Helichrysum italicum polyphenols, including $\alpha$-pyrones (arzanol, ethylpyrone), flavonols (gnaphaliin, kaempferol, quercetin), and flavanones (naringenin, pinocembrin, hesperetin). More than 40,000 human protein structures from the Protein Data Bank were screened to generate target-based inverse docking score fingerprints for each compound. Results: Hierarchical clustering of these fingerprints revealed shared binding patterns among structurally related polyphenols and enabled hypothesis generation regarding potential synergistic effects. Notably, favorable interactions were identified with PPARG and CARM1, supporting therapeutic relevance in inflammation and cancer, alongside additional targets associated with neurodegeneration and bone metabolism. Conclusions: This study establishes inverse docking fingerprints as a robust, mechanism-oriented method for natural product research and highlights Helichrysum italicum polyphenols as starting points for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Full article

Punica granatum L. is a nutritionally relevant fruit with a complex phytochemical profile that varies across its anatomical fractions, including peel, arils, juice, seeds, and seed oil. Although pomegranate is widely recognized for its health-promoting potential, the nutritional significance of its matrix-dependent composition, bioavailability, and gut microbiota-mediated metabolism remains insufficiently integrated. This review aimed to critically evaluate the phytochemical diversity of pomegranate and its nutrition-related multi-target biological functions, with particular emphasis on food matrices, bioaccessibility, and translational relevance. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies indexed in major scientific databases from 2000 to January 2026 was conducted. Eligible reports included analytical, preclinical, and clinical studies addressing the composition of pomegranate-derived materials and their biological effects, with attention to extraction matrix, processing, bioavailability, microbial biotransformation, and mechanisms of action. Pomegranate exhibits marked matrix-specific phytochemical diversity. Peel is particularly rich in ellagitannins, especially punicalagin and punicalin; arils and juices are enriched in anthocyanins and flavonols; and seed oil contains high levels of punicic acid. Reported biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, metabolic, anti-aging, and anticancer effects. These actions appear to result from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds rather than from a single dominant constituent. Importantly, gut microbiota-driven conversion of ellagitannins and ellagic acid into urolithins is a major determinant of systemic bioactivity and may contribute to interindividual variability in response. The health effects of pomegranate should be interpreted within a nutrition-focused, matrix-dependent framework integrating composition, processing, bioavailability, and microbiota-derived metabolism. Full article

Onion peel represents a valuable food by-product rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. Building on previous phytochemical investigations, an onion peel extract from the Rossadi Tropea variety was developed as a standardized bioactive ingredient (OPI-T), defined by flavonol (quercetin and its glycosylated and oxidized derivatives) and anthocyanin (cyanidin derivatives) markers, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency, and evaluated for its potential against hepatic steatosis. The present study aimed to assess the protective effects of OPI-T against palmitate-induced steatosis and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells, a widely used in vitro model of hepatic lipid accumulation. An onion peel extract derived from the Ramata di Montoro variety was included as a natural negative reference to account for varietal variability. HepG2 cells were co-treated with palmitate (500 µM) and OPI-T (25 or 50 µg/mL). Lipid accumulation was evaluated by Oil Red O and BODIPY staining, while oxidative stress was assessed by the DCF assay. Mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy were investigated through the analysis of key protein markers, including MFN2, DRP1, SQSTM1/p62 and LC3 II/I. OPI-T significantly attenuated palmitate-induced lipid accumulation (−18%) and reduced intracellular ROS production (−75%), while modulating mitochondrial dynamics toward a reduced fission phenotype with a marked increase in the MFN2/DRP1 ratio (1.66) and improving autophagy flux. In contrast, the Ramata di Montoro variety showed weaker or inconsistent effects under the same experimental conditions. Overall, these findings support the functional validation of a standardized onion peel-derived ingredient, highlighting its potential application as a bioactive component for functional food or nutraceutical development targeting hepatic steatosis and oxidative stress. 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

Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD)-related skin inflammation involves the release of cytokines and chemokines from keratinocytes; therefore, keratinocyte-based models are widely used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of botanical extracts. This study examined the relationship between phytochemical profiles and anti-inflammatory potential of baobab fruit 30% and 70% ethanol extracts (BE-30 and BE-70, respectively) in a TNF-α/IFN-γ (TI)-stimulated HaCaT keratinocyte model. Methods: The anti-inflammatory effects of both extracts were evaluated by measuring cytokine and chemokine secretion in TI-stimulated HaCaT cells. Phytochemical characterization was performed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) and targeted high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: Both extracts were non-cytotoxic. TI-stimulation markedly increased interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 secretion, while BE-30 and BE-70 significantly reduced all three mediators in a dose-dependent manner. At comparable doses, BE-70 exhibited greater inhibition than BE-30. BE-30 showed a non-monotonic IL-8 response at low concentrations, whereas BE-70 consistently reduced IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner. LC–MS/MS profiling revealed a polyphenol-rich composition, including flavonol glycosides and related phenolic compounds. HPLC confirmed the presence of four marker analytes (procyanidin B2, epicatechin, rutin and tiliroside), which were enriched in BE-70. The content of these four polyphenols was 1.94-fold higher in BE-70. Conclusions: Baobab fruit extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory activity associated with polyphenols. These findings suggest that they could be used as analytical standards and in dermatological applications. Full article

Quercetagetin (QG), a principal flavonol from marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), is recognized for its potent antioxidant properties. However, its efficacy in mitigating intestinal injury under heat stress (HS) conditions remains unclear. We investigated the protective effects of QG using a mouse model of HS (41 °C, 70% humidity). Mice received oral QG (100 mg/kg/day) or saline for seven consecutive days before and during HS exposure. We assessed jejunal histopathology, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, gene expression, and gut microbiota composition via 16S rRNA sequencing. QG supplementation significantly ameliorated HS-induced jejunal damage. It enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). QG downregulated the mRNA expression of heat shock proteins (Hsp70, Hsp90) and upregulated antioxidant-related genes (SOD1, GPX4, CAT, NQO1, Nrf2). Furthermore, QG preserved intestinal barrier integrity by upregulating tight junction proteins (Occludin, Zo-1, Claudin). 16S rRNA analysis revealed that QG significantly reshaped the gut microbiota, marked by an increased relative abundance of Lactobacillus and a decrease in potentially harmful taxa such as Allobaculum, Oscillibacter, and Colidextribacter. QG effectively alleviates HS-induced intestinal injury by enhancing antioxidant capacity, suppressing inflammation, and modulating the gut microbiota. These findings provide a scientific basis for the potential application of QG as a functional feed additive to improve animal health under heat stress conditions. Full article

Rhododendron adamsii Rehder, also known as sagan dali, is one of the most valued northern rhododendron species of Siberia and Mongolia as both a medicinal and food plant. Its flowers are traditionally used by indigenous communities in daily life to prepare teas that are attributed with medicinal properties in local traditional medicine. However, the lack of reliable data on the chemical composition and bioactivity of R. adamsii flowers has limited their broader application and underscores the need for comprehensive studies to verify their beneficial properties. The application of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry enabled the identification of fifty-four compounds in sixteen samples of different origins, with flavonoids representing the dominant group and belonging to various aglycone types. Among the identified metabolites were dihydroflavonols of the taxifolin series; flavonols of the myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol series; as well as several minor flavonoid and non-flavonoid compounds. Thirty-seven of these compounds are reported for the first time in this species. The total phenolic content in R. adamsii flowers can reach 155.82 mg/g, of which up to 147.54 mg/g are flavonoids. The analysis revealed variation in both the qualitative profile and quantitative levels of individual compounds among different populations, suggesting the presence of distinct R. adamsii chemotypes. The preparation of flower tea was associated with high rates of flavonoid transfer into the decoction, particularly when pulverized raw material was used compared with unground or hand-ground samples. This was reflected in the enhanced antioxidant activity of the decoctions, which was maximal for pulverized flowers in in vitro assays against artificial and natural free radicals, as well as in nitric oxide scavenging and Fe²⁺-chelating tests. These results suggest that R. adamsii flowers and their tea represent a new possible source of flavonoids and after additional clinical evidence may serve as valuable antioxidant ingredients for the development of functional foods. Full article

Plum fruits are a valuable raw material to produce fermented beverages and a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. However, information on changes in phenolic composition during plum wine production is still limited. In this study, the evolution of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity during maceration and fermentation of wine from the ‘Stanley’ cultivar was investigated. Total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and antioxidant capacity were determined spectrophotometrically, while individual compounds were identified by HPLC–DAD analysis. Eleven phenolic compounds were detected, including anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols. Neochlorogenic acid, cyanidin-3-rutinoside, and rutin were the predominant compounds in fruits and wines. Phenolic content in plum skin was more than twofold higher than in whole fruit (445.20 vs. 198.32 mg GAE/100 g FW), with markedly higher anthocyanins (180.08 vs. 36.73 mg CGE/100 g FW), while juice showed much lower levels (89.32 mg GAE/L and 1.08 mg CGE/L). Maceration increased phenolic content and antioxidant activity, whereas fermentation led to a gradual decrease in most compounds, likely due to polymerization and degradation reactions. The wine produced contained 10.80 ± 0.15% (v/v) ethanol. Principal component analysis differentiated samples according to phenolic profile and fermentation stage. 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

Ostericum palustre (Besser) Besser (synonym Angelica pancicii Vandas ex. Velen.) is a Eurasian species from the Apiaceae family, previously related to the Balkan endemic species A. pancicii. The study aims to provide a thorough profiling of methanol-aqueous extracts from O. palustre leaves, roots, and inflorescences integrated with an evaluation of antioxidant potential and enzyme inhibitory activity towards some therapeutic targets. For the first time, a series of simple coumarins and furanocoumarins alongside phenolic and acylquinic acids, and flavonoids were annotated/dereplicated in the O. palustre of Bulgarian origin by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole—Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry acquisition platform. According to the discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) of the biological potential, radical scavenging activity (47.9 mg TE/g in DPPH and 61.8 mg TE/g in ABTS), reducing power (102.2 mg TE/g in CUPRAC and 57.4 mg TE/g in FRAP), and metal-chelating capacity (20.1 mg EDTAE/g) accounted mainly for the stronger antioxidant activity of inflorescences extract than roots and leaves. Root extracts exhibited anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase effects with lower IC₅₀ values (IC₅₀ 37.22, 42.47 and 32.09 μg/mL, respectively). Pearson relationship analysis revealed potent antioxidants including furanocoumarins (oxypeucedanin hydrate, xanthotoxol/bergaptol, byakangelicin/isobyakangelicin, ostruthol) and phenolic acids, while a series of angelols alongside feruloylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids, and flavonol glycosides hold significance for the neuroprotective activity of the leaves extract. The enzyme inhibitory activity of the root extracts towards collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase, related to the anti-aging activity, was ascribed to simple hydroxylated/methoxylated coumarins. The study suggests the potential health benefits of O. palustre extracts as antioxidant, anti-aging, and neuroprotective agents. 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

Background/Objectives: Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent and multifactorial condition affecting a large proportion of the global population, with limited therapeutic options beyond pharmacological approaches primarily targeting erectile dysfunction. This has increased interest in botanical supplements for sexual health, although mechanistic evidence and clear links between phytochemical composition and biological activity remain scarce. The present study provides an integrative evaluation of a commercial Turnera diffusa extract (Liboost^®) formulated to support sexual health by combining detailed phytochemical characterization with targeted in vitro mechanistic assays. Methods: The extract was characterized by HPLC-DAD-HRMS, enabling the identification and semi-quantification of its major constituents. A total of 49 compounds were detected, predominantly flavonoids, including luteolin- and apigenin-derived glycosides, flavonols, methoxyflavones, flavanones, and coumaroyl derivatives, with a total quantified flavonoid content of 15.9 mg·g⁻¹. Biological activity was evaluated in human cell models without cytotoxic effects at the tested concentrations. Results: Liboost^® significantly reduced PDE5 expression, inhibited aromatase activity, and moderately increased nitric oxide production. These complementary effects suggest a multi-target modulation of pathways involved in sexual function, integrating vascular, endocrine, and nitrergic mechanisms. Conclusions: Although limited to in vitro models, the findings provide mechanistic support for the biological activity of T. diffusa extracts and highlight the importance of linking phytochemical composition with functional evidence when evaluating botanical supplements. Full article

Pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG), one of the major lignans isolated from E. ulmoides Oliver bark, has various pharmacological functions, including antihypertension and prevention of osteoporosis. However, the glycosyltransferase-encoding gene (GT) involved in regulating the glycosylation of pinoresinol to form PDG has not been reported in E. ulmoides. In this study, we screened and cloned the EuGT8 gene from E. ulmoides based on our transcriptome data. The expression pattern of the EuGT8 gene exhibited a strong positive correlation with dynamic changes in the PDG contents in three different organs of E. ulmoides. The expression level of the EuGT8 gene and PDG content were significantly decreased in asODN-EuGT8-treated shoot tips in comparison with the control group. Prokaryotic expression of the EuGT8 gene revealed that the purified EuGT8 protein could catalyze the conversion of pinoresinol into PDG. In addition, we performed transcriptional and metabolomic analyses to compare the differences between transgenic Arabidopsis and WT plants. A total of 1799 DEGs and 294 DEMs were identified in transgenic and WT plants. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, secondary metabolite biosynthesis, and starch/sucrose metabolism pathways. The DEMs were mainly enriched in ABC transporters, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, biosynthesis of amino acids, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and flavone and flavonol biosynthesis pathways. Correlation analysis between DEGs and DEMs identified a total of 231 DEGs associated with 38 DEMs, which were mainly distributed in multiple metabolic pathways. This finding provides both theoretical insights and genetic resources for breeding high-PDG E. ulmoides varieties, facilitating marker-assisted selection (MAS) and promoting sustainable E. ulmoides production in Guizhou. Full article