Search Results (12,195)

Buckwheat husk is the major by-product produced during buckwheat processing. However, despite its high nutritional and functional value, it remains underutilized as an ingredient in functional foods. This review summarizes current knowledge on the botanical origin, chemical composition, extraction approaches, and bioactive properties of buckwheat husk. Particular emphasis is placed on its high content of insoluble dietary fiber and phenolic compounds, especially rutin, which contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Advances in conventional and green extraction techniques used to obtain buckwheat husk concentrates, including ultrasound- and microwave-assisted methods, are discussed. The techno-functional properties of buckwheat husk, such as water- and oil-holding capacity, emulsifying potential, and texture modification, are evaluated in relation to food applications. Reported uses in bakery products, pasta, dairy foods, beverages, and meat systems are critically reviewed. Safety aspects, allergenicity, and antinutritional factors are also considered. Overall, buckwheat husk is positioned as an underutilized resource with significant potential for sustainable functional food development. Full article

Pomaces, by-products from beverage industries, which are extremely rich in various bioactive compounds such as dietary fiber, polyphenolic compounds, carotenoids, etc., represent valuable sources of natural antioxidants. Due to their nutritional properties, innovative food products could be developed by incorporating pomace powders as potentially functional ingredients. In the present work, new dehydrated fruit-based products, known as fruit rolls or leathers, were developed from apples and bananas (2/1, w/w), with honey (2%), lemon juice (2%), and freeze-dried grape or sea buckthorn pomace powders (3%), without artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or hydrocolloids. Several physicochemical (moisture content, water activity, pH, CIE L*a*b*) and chemical (total phenolic and carotenoid contents) parameters were investigated both for pomace powders and developed fruit rolls. Moreover, the prepared fruit rolls were evaluated in terms of sensorial characteristics using a seven-point hedonic scale. The samples obtained by incorporation of freeze-dried pomace powders exhibited increased values of the total phenolic content (86.54 and 95.77 mg GAE/g d.m.) compared to the control sample (59.62 mg GAE/g d.m.). Sensory evaluation with twenty untrained panelists indicated good acceptability, with mean scores above 6.00. The addition of freeze-dried pomace powders improved the visual attributes, the appearance and color of the corresponding fruit rolls receiving slightly higher scores compared to the control. The newly developed fruit rolls with freeze-dried grape or sea buckthorn pomace powders could represent a tasty, interesting alternative for sweet snacks. Full article

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), renamed from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by global consensus in May 2026, is one of the most common endocrine diseases in women of reproductive age, affecting physical and mental health. Growing evidence suggests that medicine–food homology (MFH) plants and their bioactive compounds may help regulate PMOS-related metabolism and reproductive abnormalities through dietary intervention. This review summarizes their reported roles and potential mechanisms. Based on the existing literature, this review presents nine edible plant resources identified under the MFH/dietary-use framework and 21 bioactive constituents or constituent classes, all selected for detailed synthesis from a broader eligible evidence base and with reported PMOS-related bioactivity. Across preclinical studies, these constituents appear to act through convergent, multi-target mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities to reduce systemic inflammation, as well as restoring hormone balance, correcting abnormal lipid metabolism, relieving insulin resistance and protecting ovarian function. Importantly, the evidence base remains predominantly preclinical, with few human randomized trials. Key translational barriers include insufficient standardization of preparations and doses, limited oral bioavailability of several constituents, safety and herb–drug interaction concerns, and uncertain formulation feasibility for functional-food applications. By integrating evidence at the plant and compound levels, this review provides a mechanistic rationale—rather than clinical proof—for further investigation of dietary strategies relevant to PMOS and proposes a framework for the development and evaluation of MFH-based functional foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pregnant women are vulnerable to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA). However, associations of maternal BPA exposure with oxidative stress, inflammation, the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC), and fetal/neonatal outcomes remain unclear. This study evaluated urinary and estimated dietary BPA exposure in conjunction with DII and DTAC during late pregnancy and examined their associations with maternal oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers and fetal/neonatal outcomes. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 86 third-trimester pregnant women at a Turkish tertiary hospital. BPA exposure was assessed using creatinine-adjusted urinary BPA concentrations and dietary intake estimated from 3-day dietary records and a food frequency questionnaire. Urinary and serum biomarkers were measured, and DII and DTAC scores calculated. Analyses included correlation, multivariable regression, and mediation. Results: Creatinine-adjusted urinary BPA correlated strongly with urinary 8-isoprostane (r = 0.694, p < 0.001) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG; r = 0.880, p < 0.001), but not after multivariable adjustment. Neither urinary nor dietary BPA exposure showed consistent adjusted associations with serum oxidative stress or inflammatory biomarkers or significant associations with fetal/neonatal outcomes. DII and DTAC correlated with selected inflammatory biomarkers, particularly TNF-α. Dietary BPA hazard quotients exceeded 1 using EFSA’s updated 2023 tolerable daily intake, suggesting a potential health concern. Conclusions: Urinary BPA correlated strongly with urinary oxidative damage biomarkers, but not after multivariable adjustment. Neither urinary nor dietary BPA showed consistent adjusted associations with maternal oxidative stress or inflammatory biomarkers or significant associations with fetal/neonatal outcomes. DII and DTAC may be related to inflammatory biomarker variability in late pregnancy. Full article

Plant protein-derived bioactive peptides have attracted increasing interest as potential ingredients for health-promoting functional foods because of their reported cardiometabolic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and satiety-related activities. However, the field remains dominated by peptide discovery, in silico prediction, enzyme-inhibition assays, simulated digestion, and preclinical models, whereas successful translation into clinically supported and technologically viable food products is still limited. This review critically examines the gap between mechanistic promise and functional food implementation. It integrates evidence on plant protein sources, peptide-generation strategies, structure–activity relationships, gastrointestinal stability, intestinal transport, local gut activity, food-matrix interactions, processing effects, encapsulation, sensory constraints, human efficacy, regulatory substantiation, commercial feasibility, and consumer acceptance. Particular attention is given to the limited predictive value of isolated in vitro activity when peptides are exposed to digestion, epithelial barriers, complex food matrices, realistic processing conditions, and achievable dietary doses. The review also highlights that systemic absorption is not the only relevant pathway, as selected peptides may act locally within the gastrointestinal tract. Overall, the evidence indicates that peptide discovery should not be treated as the principal endpoint of research. Future progress will require translation-oriented development in which bioactivity, digestion stability, matrix compatibility, sensory quality, manufacturing reproducibility, realistic intake, human evidence, and regulatory credibility are evaluated as interdependent criteria. The most promising plant-derived peptides will therefore be those that retain sufficient activity and acceptability under real conditions of food production and consumption. Full article

Pomegranate peel is an agro-industrial byproduct rich in phenolic compounds with recognized functional properties. Its incorporation into stable food ingredients represents an attractive strategy for byproduct valorization. This study evaluated spray-dried vinegar powders enriched with pomegranate peel extract obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using vinegar and α-cyclodextrin (αCD). Non-buffered and buffered formulations were compared with two commercial buffered powders during 6 months of storage at 22 °C. Morphological (particle size distribution and scanning electron microscopy images), physicochemical (pH, titratable acidity, moisture content, water activity and color), antioxidant (total phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging activity), antimicrobial and sensory properties were evaluated. The powders maintained stable physicochemical properties, with moisture content remaining ≤1.2%, whereas commercial powders reached 3.0–3.9% after storage. Pomegranate-enriched powders showed total phenolic contents of 5.3–27.9 mg GAE/g_powder and antioxidant activity of 37.1–279.3 µmol TE/g_powder, compared with 0.1–0.3 mg GAE/g_powder and 2.3–4.1 µmol TE/g_powder in the non-enriched formulations, while remaining stable throughout storage. Buffered enriched powders maintained in vitro antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, whereas only non-buffered formulations inhibited Salmonella enterica. The powders were incorporated into a béchamel croquette formulation and showed preliminary sensory acceptability. These results support spray drying with αCD as an effective strategy for obtaining stable powdered ingredients from pomegranate peel byproducts under the evaluated conditions. Full article

Aquaponics combines aquaculture and hydroponics, offering an integrated and sustainable food production system. This study investigated the probiotic properties, plant growth-promoting (PGP) activity, and nitrifying capacity of twelve lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains isolated from an aquaculture farm environment on the Ivory Coast for their potential application in aquaponic systems. All isolates demonstrated antagonistic activity against key pathogenic indicator strains, except Vibrio cholerae, and displayed varying levels of surface hydrophobicity (5.50 ± 0.70% to 22.83 ± 1.17%) and auto-aggregation (32.50 ± 0.08% to 52.89 ± 0.39%) after 24 h. Antioxidant activity was significantly higher in cell-free supernatants (~71–79%) than in intact cells (~30–33%). Bile salt tolerance (0.3%, 4 h) ranged from 2.13 ± 0.76% to 40.87 ± 2.12%, and survival under pH 1.5 with pepsin for 3 h varied from 4.84 ± 0.26% to 53.98 ± 13.28%. All isolates produced lactic, acetic, citric, malic, and propionic acid and exhibited amylase and cellulase activity; none showed hemolytic activity. Only LAB 11 produced indole-3-acetic acid (17.72 ± 0.06 μg/mL), siderophores, and phosphate-solubilization activity for PGP traits, and this group significantly enhanced maize seed germination (86.66 ± 5.77%) and radicle length (7.00 ± 0.52 mm) compared to the control (63.33 ± 32.14% and 4.94 ± 1.52 mm), respectively. LAB 1 and LAB 10 demonstrated the highest ammonia-oxidizing capacity in vitro and in trout pond water. LAB 1, LAB 10, and LAB 11 were confirmed by whole genome sequencing analysis to be Enterococcus faecalis strains with a favorable-safety genomic profile and probiotic characteristics. These three strains therefore represent promising candidates for consortium-based applications in aquaponics systems. Full article

Phycocyanin–Cu²⁺-loaded gelatin–chitosan composite films (Gel/Cu@PC/Ch) were developed as active packaging materials to address the postharvest deterioration of fresh produce. A series of composite films with varying chitosan (Ch) concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, 5%, w/v) were systematically fabricated and characterized. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the Gel/Cu@PC/Ch_0.5 film (0.5% chitosan) exhibited smooth, pore-free, and crack-free surface and cross-sectional morphologies, while a higher chitosan dosage (5%) triggered severe structural cracking. Gel/Cu@PC/Ch_0.5 achieved the maximum water contact angle of 101.13 ± 9.59°, demonstrating superior surface hydrophobicity. All composite films possessed outstanding UV-shielding capacity; meanwhile, ABTS and DPPH free radical scavenging rates rose gradually with increasing chitosan content, reaching 79.71 ± 0.72% and 84.91 ± 1.31% at 5% Ch, respectively. In antibacterial assessments, Gel/Cu@PC/Ch_0.5 showed effective inhibition against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters of 13.83 ± 0.42 mm and 14.93 ± 0.83 mm, respectively, owing to the synergistic bactericidal effect of Cu²⁺ and chitosan. In grape preservation trials conducted over 12 days, Gel/Cu@PC/Ch_0.5 wrapped grapes exhibited the lowest weight loss (3.60 ± 0.30%), retained the highest residual firmness (316.16 ± 13.81 g) and total soluble solids (TSS), and maintained a significantly higher TAC value of 0.71 ± 0.12 nM after 12 days of storage, with no visible microbial spoilage or severe shriveling observed throughout storage. These results demonstrate that the Gel/Cu@PC/Ch_0.5 composite film achieves a desirable integration of moisture barrier performance, antioxidant activity, and broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy, offering a scalable and biodegradable platform for active food packaging in fresh fruit preservation. Full article

DNA methylation clocks provide a tractable molecular readout for testing whether nutritional and natural-product interventions can modify biological aging. Natural-product-derived antioxidants are biologically plausible candidates because they influence redox signaling, inflammation, mitochondrial function, microbial metabolism and epigenetic regulation, yet their effects on DNA methylation-based aging remain difficult to interpret. Here, we systematically synthesize human intervention studies evaluating antioxidant-rich dietary patterns, botanical and food-derived extracts, marine omega-3 fatty acids, multi-component nutraceuticals and related lifestyle-based interventions with DNA methylation-clock outcomes. The available evidence does not support a uniform epigenetic anti-aging effect. Instead, methylation-age responses were clock-specific, exposure-dependent and often most apparent in metabolically or biologically responsive subgroups. Longer randomized or trial-embedded studies provided the most credible signals, whereas small uncontrolled studies mainly generated hypotheses. Future trials should move beyond claims of epigenetic age reversal and test whether objectively verified natural-product-derived antioxidant exposures produce reproducible, mechanistically linked, and clinically meaningful changes in aging biology. Full article

Diet and lifestyle are modifiable determinants of oxidative balance through their influence on exposure to antioxidant and pro-oxidant factors. The oxidative balance score (OBS) is a composite index that reflects the balance between these exposures, with higher scores indicating a predominance of antioxidant factors. In this exploratory pilot study, we examined three OBSs (nutrient-, food-, and lifestyle-based), as well as their combined versions (nutrient–lifestyle and food–lifestyle), across clinical subgroups and evaluated their associations with biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and liver-related biomarkers. A total of 44 older adults were enrolled and stratified into three subgroups (16 healthy, 14 hypercholesterolemia, and 14 post–myocardial infarction). Each participant completed a questionnaire, a 3-day food record, and underwent blood sampling. OBSs were calculated based on 15 nutrients, nine food groups, and two lifestyle components. Correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine associations between OBSs and the following biomarkers: plasma total antioxidant capacity (TEAC and FRAP), C-reactive protein (CRP), HDL cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The nutrient–lifestyle OBS (OBSN-L) was significantly associated with lower ALT and AST (adjusted ALT β = −1.06; p = 0.048; AST β = −0.54; p = 0.034). A similar association was observed for the nutrient OBS (OBSN) (adjusted AST β = −0.64; p = 0.022). No significant associations were observed for TEAC, FRAP, or CRP. Neither the OBSF nor the OBSF-L was associated with any circulating biomarkers. Higher nutrient-based OBSs, with or without lifestyle integration, were independently associated with lower liver transaminase levels in older adults with varying levels of cardiovascular risk. OBSs may help to capture dietary and lifestyle patterns associated with liver-related biomarkers. These exploratory findings warrant confirmation in larger, prospective studies. Full article

Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are rich sources of α-tocopherol (α-T), a lipid-soluble antioxidant, but may contribute little to α-T status due to low intake and limited bioavailability. This study investigated whether egg co-consumption enhances α-T bioavailability from spinach and whether effects differ by egg dose, food matrix, or timing of intake. In a crossover study, healthy adults consumed deuterium-labeled (d_x)-spinach (containing 5 mg d_x-α-T) alone; or with 1, 2, or 3 hard-boiled eggs; 2 egg whites; or vegetable oil (9.6 g). Two exploratory trials evaluated delayed egg consumption 3 h after spinach intake. Compared with spinach alone, d_x-α-T AUC_0–72h (µmol/L × h) was 1.5–1.8-times higher when spinach was co-consumed with 1, 2, and 3 eggs (p ≤ 0.05), respectively, with no egg dose-dependent differences (p > 0.05). Co-ingestion of spinach with egg whites or vegetable oil increased d_x-α-T AUC_0–72h similar to whole eggs (p > 0.05). Delayed egg intake did not affect d_x-α-T AUC_0–72h relative to spinach alone (p > 0.05). Plant-derived α-T bioavailability can be improved through co-ingestion with other foods but is independent of egg dose and food matrix. Effective absorption requires concurrent intake, indicating that timing and associated digestive processes are key determinants and support food-pairing strategies to improve vitamin E bioavailability and its antioxidant contribution to plant-based diets. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04287816). Full article

Rising rates of obesity and diabetes have increased demand for sugar-free products, while consumers also seek natural colorants and foods offering functional health benefits. Sorghum leaves, an underutilized part of the plant, contain health-promoting polyphenolic compounds with bioactive and coloring properties. Incorporating sorghum leaf-derived polyphenols into foods may meet both producer and consumer interest in natural colorants and value-added ingredients. This study aimed to incorporate sorghum leaf polyphenol extracts into sugar-free gelatin candies. Four formulations were produced: artificial-low color, natural-low color, artificial-high color, and natural-high color candies. Instrumental texture was evaluated using firmness and springiness measurements. Water activity was recorded using a water activity meter. Color was assessed with a colorimeter. Total phenolic content (TPC) was measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Consumers’ (N = 105) acceptance of sensory properties was evaluated using 9-point hedonic scales, and purchase intent was measured before and after colorant source and sweetener informational messaging. Natural colorant formulations had significantly higher water activity than artificially colored candies. Instrumental firmness and springiness differed significantly (p < 0.05) across formulations. However, these differences did not significantly (p > 0.05) impact consumer texture preference. TPC increased with higher levels of sorghum leaf extract but did not increase bitterness ratings. After receiving educational information about the colorant sources, purchase intent for the naturally colored formulations significantly (p < 0.05) increased, exceeding that of artificially colored candies. These findings demonstrate that sorghum leaf polyphenols can be successfully incorporated into sugar-free gummy candies and are well accepted by consumers as a natural colorant. This work supports sorghum as a value-added food ingredient, creating new market opportunities for US sorghum farmers. Full article

The extraction of essential oil from agricultural resources continues to be a challenge in the context of purity, the integrity of delicate compounds, and low yield. In the current study, a new distillation protocol, involving the use of Glucose–Citric Acid-based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NaDES), has been developed and optimized through artificial intelligence (AI)-based models for enhanced recovery of Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil (OBEO). The NaDES mixture was prepared at various compositional ratios and customized through statistical tools of RSM as well as AI-based models (ANN) to optimize the recovery and chemical composition of OBEO. The physicochemical properties of the prepared NaDES were studied at 5–50% molar ratios of water, which revealed a pH drift of 1–2.5, a viscosity of 1244–5.21 mPa.s, and a density of 1.55–1.22 g/cm³. The maximum yield of OBEO (41.00 ± 0.27 mL/Kg of fresh aerial material) was obtained with the extracting solvent containing 31.6% NaDES applied with 7.18 mL/g solvent-to-solid ratio at 70 °C and 210 min of distillation time. Interestingly, the chemical composition of OBEO obtained through the test protocol was more diverse in chemical nature in comparison to the control (hydrodistillation) when studied through GC-MS analysis. Moreover, NaDES-based OBEO demonstrated potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity (90.36% inhibition of DPPH^⸰), and notable mosquito repellent activity (RC₅₀ = 407 µL). These findings indicate that Glucose–Citric Acid-based NaDES in combination with water can distill OBEO more efficiently for its application in food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

The growing interest in bio-based and bioactive materials, as well as sustainable production techniques, has driven the development of multifunctional hybrid systems. This study reports the fabrication of novel microcapsules with a double-layer alginate–PEG–chitosan shell, with or without a core, via coaxial electrospraying, followed by ionotropic gelation and polyelectrolyte complexation. PEG1000 and PEG1500 were incorporated into the shell as phase change materials, and thyme oil–oleic acid served as a hydrophobic bioactive core. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analyses confirmed the structural integrity and effective shell–core integration. Thermogravimetric analyses showed enhanced thermal stability in double-layer alginate–PEG–chitosan biopolymer network shell and thyme oil included core system, with a delayed degradation up to 370.0 °C and reduced mass loss compared to the alginate–chitosan control sample. Differential scanning calorimetry over ten heating–cooling cycles demonstrated significant phase transition enthalpies (70.5–91.8 J·g⁻¹ at 37.6–48.5 °C), confirming efficient thermal energy storage and release governed by the PEG content. Aqueous suspensions prepared from microcapsules exhibited reversible temperature-dependent swelling–deswelling behavior between 20.0 and 55.0 °C, governed by hydrogel properties of the alginate–chitosan shell interactions. The microcapsules exhibited pronounced pH-dependent swelling (enhanced at pH 7.0), high water solubility, and good antioxidant activity. These findings highlight the broad application potential of bio-based shell–core microcapsules, e.g., active food packaging, biomedical dressings, protective coatings, pharmaceutical and biomedical delivery systems and functional textiles. Full article

To explore coffee’s effect on sweet rice wine quality, this study developed a novel fermented beverage using round glutinous rice and coffee powder as raw materials. The fermentation process was optimized using an orthogonal array design combined with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation. Flavor, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activities were systematically evaluated via electronic tongue (E-tongue), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The optimal fermentation parameters were 0.6% fermentation starter (Jiuqu), 10% coffee powder, a fermentation time of 56 h, and a temperature of 28 °C. Adding coffee powder significantly increased total flavonoid content. Compared to the control group, the scavenging activities against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⁺), as well as hydroxyl radicals, increased by 18.36%, 7.40%, and 10.96%, respectively, compared to the control group. Flavor analysis identified 173 volatile organic compounds, demonstrating strong complementarity between GC-MS and GC-IMS. The addition of coffee powder preserved traditional sweet rice wine components while introducing roasted heterocyclic compounds, such as 2-methylpyrazine and 2-ethylfuran, thereby imparting nutty and roasted characteristics. E-tongue analysis revealed enhanced sensor responses for sweetness, bitterness, and saltiness, along with decreased umami. In conclusion, the addition of coffee powder is an effective strategy to enhance the in vitro antioxidant activity and enrich the flavor profile of sweet rice wine. This study provides a scientific basis for the application of coffee in traditional fermented foods. Full article