Search Results (882)

Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in terrestrial plant feeds constrain efficient herbivore production, an issue intensified by rising feed costs and growing demand for animal products. Unlike previous reviews that focus on single ANFs or feed types, this review provides an integrated, cross-species framework linking ANF chemistry, rumen microbial interactions, and mitigation strategies. It examines major ANF classes—tannins, phytates, saponins, oxalates, protease inhibitors, lectins, glucosinolates, and gossypol—and their distribution and biochemical modes of action. Mechanistic pathways are grouped into digestive effects (reduced palatability and enzyme inhibition), microbial effects (altered rumen microbiota and fermentation), metabolic effects (impaired absorption), and mineral interactions (nutrient complexation and chelation). Species-specific responses are evaluated, emphasizing the partial detoxification capacity of the rumen microbiome and the dose-dependent nature of ANF effects. Mitigation strategies—physical, chemical, microbial, enzymatic, probiotic, and genetic—are critically assessed for efficacy, scalability, and sustainability. Emerging metabolomic and metagenomic evidence shows that certain ANFs confer functional benefits at controlled doses; for example, tannins improve nitrogen retention, saponins reduce methane, and phytic acid scavenges free radicals. This synthesis supports strategic management rather than complete elimination, informing safe and sustainable use of terrestrial feeds under evolving food-security and environmental challenges. Full article

Camelina sativa sprouts were investigated as a source of glucosinolates (GLSs), and their modulation in response to germination time and elicitor treatments was evaluated. Total GLS content significantly decreased during sprouting, from 21.18 µmol/g DW in seeds to 0.75 µmol/g DW at 24 days, with 5-day-old sprouts selected as the optimal harvest stage, with 8.82 ± 0.08 µmol g⁻¹ DW. HPLC analysis identified three major aliphatic GLSs (GLS9, GLS10, GLS11), with GLS10 being the most abundant. Prior to treatment, tolerance assays showed that glucose (75 mM) and DL-methionine (2.5 mM) significantly increased total GLS content, whereas sulfur supplementation had no effect. Genotype-dependent responses were observed among Calena, Alan, and Pearl sprouts. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between genotype and elicitor for total GLS content. Glucose and DL-methionine enhanced GLS accumulation in a cultivar-specific manner, with DL-methionine being more effective in Pearl, while Calena and Alan were more responsive to glucose. Sulfur treatments did not induce GLS accumulation in any genotype or condition tested. At the individual compound level, GLS9 was consistently increased by both elicitors, whereas GLS10 and GLS11 showed genotype and treatment-specific responses. Overall, these findings highlight the potential to increase the total GLS content in camelina sprouts through targeted elicitation and cultivar selection. By optimizing elicitor type, concentration, and timing, camelina sprouts could become a richer source of bioactive compounds. Full article

Moringa oleifera seed cake is the byproduct of moringa oil extraction and the most valuable source of 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl glucosinolate (glucomoringin; GMG), the precursor of 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)benzyl isothiocyanate (moringin; GMG+M). The vascular fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is an important soil-borne pathogen of tomato in cultivated areas worldwide. Coating seeds with phytochemicals has been reported to prevent seed transmission and control seedling infection. In this work, GMG was extracted and purified from moringa seed cake on the multigram scale, and GMG+M solutions obtained through controlled hydrolysis of the precursor with commercial myrosinase were evaluated against the pathogen both in vitro and in planta. FOL conidia germination and mycelial growth were significantly inhibited by GMG+M solutions in the range 1–1000 µM, in a dose-dependent manner, compared to GMG and control treatments, which did not differ significantly. Interestingly, the coating of tomato var. crovarese seeds with GMG or GMG+M (100 µM) resulted in equally effective reduction (70%) of the disease severity in post-emergence, suggesting a plant-mediated mechanism underlying the efficacy of the intact glucosinolate. Seed coating with both phytochemicals triggered polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in five-day-old tomato sprouted rootlets. This study highlighted the potential biotechnological value of M. oleifera seedcake for the development of a sustainable biopesticide. Full article

Breast cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in women and remains difficult to treat due to therapy resistance and the adverse effects associated with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens. In this study, the anticancer activity of the ethanolic root extract of Salvadora persica (S. persica), commonly known as Miswak, was evaluated in human breast cancer cells using a combination of in vitro assays, phytochemical profiling, and computational analyses. HRLC-MS/MS characterization revealed a wide range of bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoid derivatives, glucosinolates, and fatty acid–based molecules detected under both ionization modes. The extract exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 144.1 and 176.3 µg/mL, respectively, as determined by the MTT assay, while exerting negligible toxicity toward normal Vero cells. Miswak extract enhanced intracellular ROS production, disruption of MMP, nuclear condensation, and increased apoptotic cell populations, along with S-phase cell cycle arrest, pointing toward activation of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. In silico docking results indicated that key phytoconstituents exhibit strong binding interactions with multiple breast cancer–relevant targets such as ERα, PR, EGFR, HER3, IGF-1R, and GPER. Additionally, pharmacokinetic and toxicity predictions suggested favorable drug-like properties with minimal safety concerns. Thus, these findings support its potential as a promising plant-derived therapeutic candidate for breast cancer. Full article

Cauliflower by-products represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds that can be valorized as functional ingredients within circular food systems; however, their stability is strongly influenced by processing conditions. This study evaluated the combined effects of plant section (leaves and stems) and drying method (freeze-drying, hot-air drying at 40 °C and solar drying at approximately 30–45 °C) on the nutritional composition, pigment content, antioxidant activity and colour of cauliflower by-product flours. Proximate composition, chlorophylls, carotenoids, total polyphenols, total flavonoids, glucosinolates, sulforaphane and antioxidant activity (ABTS and DPPH assays) were determined, and colour was assessed using CIELAB parameters (L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue angle and browning index). Freeze-drying showed the highest preservation of pigments, phenolic compounds, sulforaphane and antioxidant activity, followed by hot-air drying, while solar drying resulted in the lowest retention. Leaf-derived flours consistently presented higher pigment and phenolic contents and more favorable colour attributes than stem-derived flours. Antioxidant activity was strongly associated with matrices richer in pigments and phenolics. Although leaves exhibited higher glucosinolate contents, sulforaphane levels showed only minor differences between plant sections, suggesting that stem-derived fractions may also represent a valuable raw material considering their greater biomass availability and industrial scalability. Overall, these findings demonstrate that both plant section and drying method significantly influence the techno-functional quality of cauliflower by-product flours and should be jointly considered to optimize the development of stable, functional and sustainable food ingredients. Full article

Natural compounds are increasingly explored as complementary strategies to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduce toxicity. Among these are isothiocyanates (ITCs), bioactive metabolites derived from glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables, which have gained substantial attention for their chemopreventive and antileukemic potential. ITCs exert diverse biological effects driven by the high reactivity of the –NCS group, enabling covalent modification of key cellular proteins and modulation of signaling pathways. Well-studied representatives, including sulforaphane (SFN), allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), 6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MITC), benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), and phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), exhibit diverse antileukemic activities, including cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, differentiation-inducing, and cell-cycle-modulating effects. Although individual compounds differ in their relative potency and predominant biological responses, their activities are generally mediated through multiple interconnected mechanisms including oxidative stress modulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, regulation of apoptosis-related proteins, and interference with key signaling pathways. In addition to apoptosis, several ITCs have also been reported to induce autophagy, ferroptosis, or cellular differentiation in leukemic cells. Taken together, the existing evidence highlights ITCs as promising candidates for leukemia chemoprevention or therapy, acting through multi-targeted mechanisms that may complement conventional treatment strategies. Further studies are needed to clarify their selectivity, mechanistic diversity, and translational potential. Full article

The aim of this study was to develop novel and sensory-acceptable microgreens–apple juices and characterize them using UHPLC Q-ToF MS-based metabolomic analysis. The obtained juices showed reduced sugar content and mild acidity compared with the control apple juice. Untargeted analysis revealed 71 compounds, including phenolics, betalains, and one glucosinolate. Semi-quantification confirmed a high content of sinapic acid and its derivatives and hydroxybenzoic acid in broccoli–apple juice, as well as a predominant amount of phenolic acid diglycosides and hydroxycinnamoyl–isocitric acid derivatives in amaranth–apple juice. Apigenin C-glycosides were the main phenolics in red beet–apple juice, with the highest content of cytisoside derivatives. All microgreen-based juices contained apple-derived flavan-3-ols, procyanidins, dihydrochalcones, and certain flavonols. The formulated juices exhibited promising antioxidant potential evaluated by several screening assays (TPC, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP), consistent with their phytochemical profiles, while differences among them may be linked to the amounts of certain bioactive molecules, mainly derived from microgreens. Moreover, these juices showed high overall quality and consumer acceptability, successfully masking typical microgreens flavors. Overall, these cold-pressed microgreen–apple juices can be classified as novel, low-calorie, and highly sensory-acceptable beverages, containing diverse bioactive compounds from both apple and microgreens; however, further in vitro and in vivo evidence is needed to support claims regarding their functionalities. Full article

Rapeseed is a major source of vegetable oil and contains a wide variety of metabolites. Recent advances, particularly the integration of metabolomics with other omics approaches, have enabled not only comprehensive but also detailed analyses of key metabolites that respond to specific conditions. To date, these recent advances in the metabolomics of Brassica crops have not yet been fully clarified. In this review, we seek to summarize the recent progresses in metabolomics studies of Brassica rapa, B. napus and B. juncea, introduce the key metabolites spanning nucleic acids, amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, organic acids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids and glucosinolates uncovered by this approach, focusing on those associated with growth and development, and abiotic/biotic stresses, including macronutrient availability, temperature, water stress, salt stress, aluminum and cadmium toxicity, and infection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Leptosphaeria maculans, and Plasmodiophora brassicae. Future perspectives and current challenges in metabolomics integrating with other omics are also discussed, along with its potential for breeding applications, especially in new marker discovery, trait prediction, and even metabolic selection, aimed at developing new rapeseed varieties with stable, high-yielding, and quality traits. Full article

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the chemical composition and the biological properties of Reseda alba L., commonly known as white mignonette. Extracts obtained from leaves (L), flowers (F), stems (S), and immature fruits (Fr) by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were assessed for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and growth-inhibitory activity, and chemically characterized by an analytical approach based on liquid chromatography/electrospray/high-resolution tandem–mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMS/MS). The resulting chromatographic profile revealed 30 major constituents belonging to the flavonoids, glucosinolates, phenolic acids, and polar lipids, as well as hydroxy fatty acid classes. Naringenin-di-C-glucoside, isorhamnetin-O-deoxyhexosyl-hexoside, kaempferol-O-dideoxyhexosyl-hexoside, and isorhamnetin O-dideoxyhexoside are reported here for the first time in the genus Reseda. The Fr extract exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory and radical scavenging properties, likely due to its higher flavonoid content compared to the other extracts. On the other hand, the F extract significantly reduced the viability of colorectal adenocarcinoma (CaCo-2) and hepatocarcinoma (HepG-2) cells. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay showed that the treatments with R. alba did not induce the release of the marker enzyme in CaCo-2 and HepG-2 cells, suggesting the involvement of a different cell death pathway. Overall, the bioactivities observed among the different plant organs highlight the beneficial potential of R. alba and provide a rationale for future bioactivity-guided isolation studies. Full article

This study investigated the effects of moisture content (80% vs. 70%) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculation on the fermentation quality, microbial community structure, and metabolite profiles of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) silage using integrated microbiomics (full-length 16S rRNA sequencing) and untargeted metabolomics (UPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that high-moisture silage without inoculation (AhGCK) exhibited poor fermentation quality, characterized by high pH (5.09) and low lactic acid content (1.42% FM). Inoculation with L. plantarum significantly reduced pH (to 4.16) and increased lactic acid accumulation (to 3.65% FM) under high-moisture conditions. Wilting to 70% moisture combined with L. plantarum inoculation (AhSLP) achieved the best fermentation quality, with the lowest pH (4.20) and highest lactic acid (4.46% FM). Microbial community analysis revealed that Enterobacter cloacae dominated in AhGCK, whereas L. plantarum, Lentilactobacillus buchneri, and Levilactobacillus brevis became dominant after inoculation and wilting. Metabolomics identified 497 compounds across all treatments, with differential metabolites primarily enriched in pathways related to amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as diterpenoids and isoquinoline alkaloids. Highly significant correlations (p < 0.01) were observed between Enterobacter and cyclohexylammonium, between dTDP-3-O-methyl-β-L-rhamnose and 2-hydroxy-2H-benzo[h]chromene-2-carboxylate, between Lentilactobacillus and 3-ketosucrose (positive), and between Limosilactobacillus and 8-methylthiooctyl glucosinolate (positive), whereas Lactiplantibacillus and Escherichia Shigella showed no correlations with differential metabolites. These findings indicate that inoculating Lactobacillus plantarum at specific moisture levels (80% and 70%) promotes directed microbial community succession (as exemplified by positive correlations of Lentilactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus with beneficial metabolites) and optimized metabolite accumulation, which significantly lowers dry matter loss during fermentation and enhances the output of usable silage. This mechanism offers a practical theoretical foundation for improving amaranth silage production and boosting feed yield. Full article

Highlighting its pivotal role in modern pharmacology, the gut microbiome is emerging as a key determinant of drug efficacy, toxicity, and bioavailability. This review proposes the Gut Microbiome Dependency Continuum, a four-layer framework describing progressively deeper levels of microbiome involvement in drug discovery and therapeutic function. The first layer, intact functional microbiome-dependent therapeutics and includes interventions such as faecal microbiota transplantation and defined microbial consortia. The second layer, microbiome-modulated approved drugs include widely used therapeutics whose pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics are strongly influenced by microbial metabolism. Examples include metformin, irinotecan, levodopa, and digoxin, where gut microbial interactions influence efficacy, toxicity, and inter-individual variability in treatment outcomes. The third layer, microbiota-transformable natural products, encompasses dietary and plant-derived compounds such as polyphenols, ginsenosides, alkaloids, fibres, isoflavones, lignans, and glucosinolates. Their biological activity depends on microbial biotransformation into bioactive metabolites. The fourth layer, engineered microbiome therapeutics, includes synthetic biology approaches such as programmable microbial systems, engineered probiotics, CRISPR-based microbiome editing, and microbiome-responsive drug delivery systems. It also includes synthetic microbial consortia, enabling targeted sensing, therapeutic delivery, and ecological reprogramming of gut microbial communities. Altogether, these layers define a continuum in which the gut microbiome evolves from a passive modulator to an essential metabolic organ and ultimately a programmable therapeutic platform. The article provides an integrated framework for microbiome-informed drug discovery. It also supports the development of precision, ecology-aware, and engineered microbial therapeutics. Full article

Background: Glucosinolates, secondary metabolites present in Brassicales, and their breakdown products have demonstrated various biological effects, including anti-carcinogenic activities in some animal models. The active compounds include indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and N-methoxyindole-3-carbinol (NI3C). Building on these findings, several synthetic N-substituted I3Cs strongly inhibited the growth of human cancer cell lines. This effect was mediated by reactive intermediates formed by sulphotransferase (SULT) 1A1. Objective: We present genotoxicity findings on I3C and N-substituted derivatives, with special consideration given to SULTs. Methods: We review genotoxicity findings with I3C, NI3C and their parental glucosinolates. Then, we present some findings hitherto unpublished. Results: Neoglucobrassicin and its breakdown product NI3C demonstrated high genotoxic activity in vitro and formed high levels of DNA adducts in animal studies. These effects were strongly enhanced in the presence of SULT1A1. By contrast, glucobrassicin and I3C were weakly mutagenic. New observations include: enhanced activation of NI3C to a mutagen by human SULT1C4 compared to SULT1A1; SULT1A1-dependent genotoxicity of I3C (induction of sister chromatid exchange, SCE); cellular co-localisation of SULT1A1 and DNA adducts formed in the kidneys of NI3C-treated mice. Conclusions: I3C and NI3C are genotoxic in the presence of an appropriate SULT, but with large quantitative and qualitative differences (I3C required higher concentrations and induced only SCE, virtually no gene mutations). No information is available regarding the genotoxicity of other N-substituted I3C derivatives being developed as antineoplastic drugs. We suspect that they may greatly vary in this activity, which in turn might impact clinical effectiveness as well as adverse side-effects. Full article

The worldwide rise in antimicrobial resistance, along with the ongoing prevalence of cancer, underscores the pressing need for novel, safe, and multifunctional therapeutic candidates. Medicinal plants continue to serve as a valuable source of chemically diverse bioactive molecules that modulate multiple biological targets. In this investigation, the preliminary screening of the antibacterial and anticancer activities of an ethanolic extract of Alhagi maurorum (A. maurorum) was comprehensively evaluated using integrated chemical characterization, in vitro bioassays, and in silico approaches. A liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis demonstrated a rich phytochemical profile including glucosinolates, phenolic acids, gallotannins, fatty acids, alkaloids, carotenoid derivatives, and 2-hexyldecanoic acid-associated constituents. Antibacterial efficacy was assessed by disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), with the extract producing inhibition zones similar to those observed with streptomycin. Anticancer effects were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays with MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells and Hs27 normal fibroblasts over 24, 48, and 72 h, revealing a time-dependent, selective decrease in malignant cell viability with relatively limited toxicity towards normal cells. Induction of apoptosis was further verified by propidium iodide (PI) staining. A molecular docking analysis highlighted 2-hexyldecanoic acid as the principal active compound, with a strong binding affinity for critical bacterial targets (GyrA, GyrB, and RpoB). In silico toxicity and ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) assessments indicated favorable drug-like properties, good gastrointestinal uptake, and acceptable safety profiles. Altogether, these results provide combined experimental and computational support for A. maurorum as a promising source of dual-purpose antibacterial and anticancer agents and lay a mechanistic foundation for subsequent preclinical studies. Full article

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by-products represent an abundant and underutilized source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in sustainable food systems. This study aimed to characterize the microbiota associated with different plant fractions (leaves, stems, and heads) of broccoli (Parthenon and Tritón cultivars) and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of their extracts, using cauliflower as a reference. Microbial counts and fungal identification (ITS sequencing) were performed, while phytochemical profiles were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-QTOF. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, and antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions was evaluated against selected foodborne bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. Broccoli by-products, particularly leaves, showed lower microbial loads in certain cultivars and were rich in phenolic compounds and glucosinolates; however, higher phenolic content did not always correlate with greater antioxidant activity, highlighting the importance of compound composition. All extracts showed strong antibacterial activity at higher concentrations, especially against Listeria spp. Notably, antifungal activity was selective but relevant, with consistent inhibition observed against Alternaria alternata, while Penicillium purpurogenum and Botrytis cinerea exhibited higher resistance. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of broccoli by-products as sustainable sources of natural bioactive compounds for food applications, particularly in the development of preservation strategies and postharvest treatments. Further studies focusing on individual compounds and their specific biological activities are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to support their application in real food systems. Full article

Sprout vegetables have emerged as functional instant foods, with elevated concentrations of bioactive compounds compared with their mature counterparts. Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) is a cruciferous Brassica vegetable particularly rich in phenolic compounds, glucosinolates, and other nutrients, making it a suitable candidate for sprout production. This study aimed to explore the impact of melatonin (MT), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and their combination on the quality and functional metabolism of Chinese kale. The results showed that MT treatment alone led to significantly higher ferric-reducing antioxidant power and concentrations of chlorophylls, carotenoids, soluble sugar, soluble protein, flavonoid, total phenolic compounds, and glucosinolates than those under CaCl₂ treatment alone. CaCl₂ treatment alone increased ascorbic acid content by 30.5%, but had limited effects on protein accumulation and secondary metabolites. However, the combined treatment did not exert a synergistic effect on ascorbic acid content, which decreased by 19.8% compared with that under the control treatment, significantly (p < 0.05). Overall, MT treatment was effective in boosting nutrient levels, thereby elevating the functional quality of Chinese kale sprouts. Full article