Search Results (153)

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions are the leading causes of death globally, largely driven by modifiable lifestyle factors. With growing interest in dietary strategies for NCDs prevention and management, functional foods like watercress (Nasturtium officinale) have attracted attention for their rich phytochemical content and potential health benefits. This narrative review synthesizes 88 sources published between 2019 and March 2025, exploring the effects of watercress bioactive compounds on major NCDs. Watercress is abundant in glucosinolates, isothiocyanates (especially phenethyl isothiocyanate), flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. These compounds contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory effects. Preclinical and clinical studies show that watercress supplementation may improve lipid profiles, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammation in cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. It also appears to enhance insulin function and reduce blood glucose levels. In cancer models, watercress extracts exhibit antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, and chemoprotective properties, with selective toxicity towards cancer cells and protective effects on normal cells. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of watercress as a dietary adjunct in NCDs prevention and management, supporting the need for further clinical research. Full article

Glucosinolates (GSLs), sulfur-containing secondary metabolites produced by cruciferous plants, act as sulfur (S) stores, repel pests, and exhibit cancer-preventive properties in humans. Based on Arabidopsis studies, this study outlines the regulatory mechanisms of GSL biosynthesis and metabolism in response to environmental S content. Additionally, we review the case of wild perennial Brassicales, with a focus on Lepidium latifolium. These wild perennial species respond differently to S availability by modulating their GSL profiles to enhance insect interactions or allocate resources for survival. The rich diversity of GSLs among wild perennial Brassicales highlights the potential for uncovering the ecological and physiological roles of GSLs and their catabolites in plants, as well as their nutraceutical benefits for human health. Full article

The quest to establish permanent outposts in space, the Moon, and Mars requires growing plants for nutrition, water purification, and carbon/nutrient recycling, as well as the psychological well-being of crews and personnel on extra-terrestrial platforms/outposts. To achieve these essential goals, the safety, quality, and sustainability of plant material grown in space should be comparable to Earth-grown crops. In this study, radish plants were grown at 2500 ppm CO₂ in two successive grow-outs on the International Space Station and at similar CO₂ partial pressure at the Kennedy Space Center. An additional control experiment was performed at the University of Louisiana Lafayette laboratory, at ambient CO₂. Subsequent analyses of glucosinolate and sugar species and content showed that regardless of growth condition, glucoraphasatin, glucoraphenin, glucoerucin, glucobrassicin, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and three aliphatic GSLs tentatively assigned to 3-methylpentyl GSL, 4-methylpentyl GSL, and n-hexyl GSL were present in all examined plants. The most common sugars were fructose, glucose, and sucrose, but some plants also contained galactose, maltose, rhamnose, and trehalose. The variability of individual secondary metabolite abundances was not related to gravity conditions but appeared more sensitive to CO₂ concentration. No indication was found that radish cultivation in space resulted in stress(es) that increased glucosinolate secondary metabolism. Flavor and nutrient components in space-grown plants were comparable to cultivation on Earth. Full article

This study investigates the impact of high temperature (HT) on the metabolic profile, oxidative-stress parameters, and antioxidant capacity of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. cymosa) at different developmental stages—microgreens, seedlings, and two organs at the mature stage (leaves and head). We used spectrophotometric and chromatographic methods to quantify the concentrations of different groups and individual phenolic compounds, L-ascorbic acids, soluble sugars, proteins, glucosinolates, nitrates, pigments, oxidative-stress parameters, and antioxidant capacity. The highest number of analyzed variables significantly impacted by HT was in mature broccoli heads, with the most substantial change being an increase in proline by 168%. The lowest number of variables susceptible to HT (66%) was in the leaves of mature broccoli. The most dramatic change observed in this study was an increase in proline in seedlings by 587%. Statistical analyses showed that developmental stage plays a dominant role in shaping metabolic profiles, while HT further modulates it. Based on the measured parameters, the average contribution of developmental stage to the variance was 75%, while temperature explained 39% of the variance. The highest proportion of variance caused by temperature was seen in proline (92%), followed by kaempferol (80%), chlorophyll a/b (76%), soluble sugars (73%), total flavonoids (65%), antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH (58%), and chlorophyll/carotenoids ratio (56%). Temperature explained more variance than developmental stage for the concentration of soluble sugars, total hydroxycinnamic acids, and total tannins, which indicates an important role of these metabolites’ groups in the response of broccoli to HTs. The interaction of developmental stage and temperature explained more variance than developmental stage alone for the concentration of total proanthocyanidins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and phenolic acids. These findings underscore the complexity of metabolic regulation in broccoli and emphasize the importance of considering both developmental stage and environmental conditions when assessing its nutritional and functional properties. Full article

Blackleg disease poses a major threat to global canola production. The resistance gene Rlm1, corresponding to the avirulence gene AvrLm1 in the pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, has been widely used to mitigate the impact of the disease. To investigate the biochemical basis of Rlm1-mediated resistance against blackleg, we conducted an LC-MS–based analysis of a susceptible Topas double haploid (DH) line and its isogenic Rlm1-carrying resistant counterpart for metabolomic profiles during the infection process. Samples were labeled with ¹²C- and ¹³C for LC-MS analyses to enhance both chemical and physical properties of metabolites for improved quantification and detection sensitivity. Resistant plants showed early and sustained accumulation of several defense metabolites, notably pipecolic acid (PA, up to 326-fold), salicylic acid (SA), and gentisic acid (GA) in L. maculans-inoculated Topas–Rlm1 plants compared to mock-inoculated Topas–Rlm1 controls (adjusted p < 0.05), indicating activation of lysine degradation and hormonal defense pathways. Elevated glucosinolates (GLS), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and melatonin precursors may further contribute to antimicrobial defense and cell-wall reinforcement. In contrast, flavonoid and phenylpropanoid pathways were down-regulated, suggesting metabolic reallocation during resistance. Exogenous application of PA, SA, GA, ferulic acid, and piperonylic acid (a known inhibitor of the phenylpropanoid pathway in plants) significantly reduced infection in susceptible canola varieties, validating their defense roles against blackleg. These results offer new insights into Rlm1-mediated resistance and support metabolic targets for breeding durable blackleg resistance in canola. Full article

Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the “miracle tree”, has gained widespread recognition for its exceptional nutritional profile and broad pharmacological potential. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the plant’s botanical characteristics, taxonomy, cultivation practices, and biochemical composition. Special emphasis is placed on its rich content of bioactive secondary metabolites-such as flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, saponins, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates-which underlie its diverse therapeutic effects. The paper compiles and analyzes evidence from over 200 peer-reviewed studies, documenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-obesity effects, among others. For instance, leaf extracts have demonstrated potent antioxidant and antidiabetic effects in both animal models and clinical trials, while seed-derived isothiocyanates have shown significant antibacterial and anticancer activity. In addition, clinical and in vivo data support M. oleifera’s role in fertility regulation, cardiovascular protection, and neurodegenerative disease mitigation. Beyond its medicinal applications, the review highlights its growing use in functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmeceutical products, reflecting its commercial and industrial relevance. By consolidating findings across disciplines, this review underscores the multifaceted value of M. oleifera as a nutraceutical and therapeutic resource. Full article

This study aims to examine the effects of various drying methods, namely convective drying (CD), vacuum drying (VD), infrared drying (IRD), low-temperature vacuum drying (LTVD), and freeze-drying (FD), on the microstructure and in vitro bioaccessibility of red cabbage bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), total glucosinolate content (TGC), individual phenolic profile, and antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) were examined experimentally in original and digested samples. Overall, SEM images of dried red cabbage showed more porous structures and minimal parenchyma deformation, enhancing bioactive compound bioaccessibility. Specifically, the bioaccessibility of TPC in IRD-dried samples was remarkably higher than that of FD- and LTVD-dried samples, although the latter two proved more TAC and TGC bioaccessible, respectively. Notably, hydroxycinnamic acids, such as ferulic and p-coumaric acids, markedly increased after digestion, especially in FD-dried samples. In vitro digestion revealed that CD-dried samples showed stronger DPPH and FRAP radical scavenging, whereas FD-dried samples had significantly higher ABTS scavenging activity. These findings suggest that LTVD and FD are the most suitable drying methods for red cabbage to enhance relevant bioactive compounds and, to some extent, antioxidant activity after digestion. Full article

Pakchoi and Tatsoi are agriculturally and commercially important subspecies of Brassica rapa. Dacheongchae is a new crop generated via the hybridization of Tatsoi and Pakchoi. Metabolite profiles of carbohydrates, sugar alcohols, amines, amino acids, carotenoids, phenolics, organic acids, and glucosinolates were carried out in the three B. rapa cultivars. The majority of amino acids were higher in Dacheongchae than in Pakchoi and Tatsoi. In addition to the amino acid content, higher contents of phenolic compounds and carotenoids were obtained in Dacheongchae. Similarly, Dacheongchae and Pakchoi contained higher amounts of glucosinolates compared with Tatsoi. Pakchoi, Tatsoi, and Dacheongchae showed marked antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and methicillin-resistant P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, Dacheongchae extracts exhibited only the inhibition activity of Salmonella paratyphi. Consistent with these higher amounts of bioactive compounds, Dacheongchae exhibited higher antimicrobial activities, suggesting synergistic antimicrobial properties from these bioactive compounds in Dacheongchae. Full article

(1) Background: At the time of harvest, the stems of broccoli are frequently discarded. (2) Methods: In this study, the sulforaphane content and glucosinolate profile of broccoli stems were analyzed at different temperature treatments. (3) Results: Thermal treatment of broccoli stems for 1 h resulted in maximal sulforaphane content at 50 °C, with a subsequent progressive reduction in concentration correlating to elevated temperatures. Metabolomic analysis was conducted on broccoli stem samples subjected to 25 °C (CK), 50 °C, and 80 °C treatments. Among the 25 identified GSLs, the 50 °C-treated samples demonstrated significantly reduced GSL accumulation, whereas the 80 °C group exhibited maximal GSL retention. Indole derivatives predominated among the three GSL subclasses (aliphatic, aromatic, and indole), accounting for approximately 70% of total GSLs across all groups. The observed GSL depletion at 50 °C correlated with enhanced sulforaphane biosynthesis. Comparative analysis further indicated that 80 °C treatment induced a more pronounced elevation of indole GSLs compared to aliphatic and aromatic counterparts in broccoli stems. (4) Conclusions: The results demonstrated that indole GSLs in broccoli stems exhibit superior thermal stability. Moderate thermal treatments effectively enhance sulforaphane content, whereas exposure to 80 °C significantly increases total GSL content. Full article

Diplotaxis muralis (L.) DC (Brassicaceae) is an edible plant commonly used in Mediterranean diets. This study investigates its nutritional composition, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity. The results show that this plant is rich in fibre and essential minerals. Analysis of amino acids shows a diverse profile, with glutamic acid and aspartic acid being the most abundant. Regarding fatty acids, α-linolenic acid was identified as predominant. Importantly, levels of toxic metals such as cadmium, lead, and mercury were found to be within established safety limits, confirming the plant’s suitability for consumption. A leaf decoction using 80% methanol exhibited the highest concentrations of total phenolic compounds (68.36 mg eq. gallic acid g⁻¹), total flavonoids (3.50 mg eq. quercetin g⁻¹), and antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ of 78.87 µg mL⁻¹ for ABTS, 392.95 µg mL⁻¹ for DPPH, and a FRAP value of 731.20 µmol Fe(II) g⁻¹). HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSⁿ characterization identified flavonols as the main polyphenols. Additionally, several glucosinolates were identified. These compounds, along with their hydrolysis products, not only contribute to the health benefits of D. muralis, but also impart its distinctive pungent and spicy notes, playing a crucial role in shaping its unique sensory profile. These findings highlight the contribution of phenolic compounds and glucosinolates to the health benefits of D. muralis, reinforcing its potential as a promising plant for the development of new functional foods. Full article

Moringa oleifera (MO) has gained recognition as a potent natural intervention for preventing and managing chronic diseases (CDs) due to its diverse phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties. Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and glucosinolates, MO exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, cardioprotective, and anti-obesity effects. These properties make it a valuable therapeutic agent for CDs, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. MO’s ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammation—key drivers of CDs—highlights its significant role in disease prevention and treatment. MO enhances insulin sensitivity, regulates lipid profiles and blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and protects against oxidative damage. MO also modulates key signaling pathways involved in cancer and liver disease prevention. Studies suggest that MO extracts possess anticancer activity by modulating apoptosis, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, and interacting with key signaling pathways, including YAP/TAZ, Nrf2-Keap1, TLR4/NF-κB, and Wnt/β-catenin. However, challenges such as variability in bioactive compounds, taste acceptability, and inconsistent clinical outcomes limit their widespread application. While preclinical studies support its efficacy, large-scale clinical trials, standardized formulations, and advanced delivery methods are needed to optimize its therapeutic potential. MO’s multifunctional applications make it a promising and sustainable solution for combating chronic diseases, especially in resource-limited settings. Full article

Fortification is the deliberate addition of essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to enhance a food’s nutritional profile and contribute to public health. A promising approach to fortification involves the use of plant by-products which are rich in bioactive compounds. This study evaluates the effects of incorporating broccoli by-product powder into corn-flour tortillas. Five formulations were developed: a control (100% corn flour) and variations replacing 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% of the corn flour with broccoli by-product powder. Adding broccoli powder resulted in darker tortillas with slightly reduced firmness. Water and oil absorption capacities increased in fortified tortillas compared to the control. The broccoli powder in the tortillas significantly enhanced their nutritional profile. Calcium content increased nearly six-fold, while potassium and iron concentrations were tripled in tortillas fortified with 10% broccoli powder. Additionally, dietary fiber content rose by 23%. Antioxidant capacity improved significantly, particularly in total polyphenol content. Fortification also led to a significantly higher glucosinolate concentrations, notably neoglucobrassicin and glucoraphanin. Sensory evaluation showed that consumers found tortillas containing 2.5% to 7.5% broccoli powder to be the most acceptable. However, fortification at 10% negatively impacted overall acceptability, primarily due to the intensified brassica flavor. In conclusion, incorporating broccoli by-product powder into corn tortillas enhanced their nutritional and functional properties, whilst retaining acceptable sensory characteristics. This approach promotes the sustainable valorization of by-products, offering a viable, eco-friendly alternative for the development of functional, nutrient-rich foods that support sustainability in the food industry. Full article

Nasturtium officinale R. Br. (watercress) is an endangered species with valuable pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutritional properties. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and biological activity of extracts from microshoot cultures grown in PlantForm bioreactors and the parent plant material. After 20 days of cultivation, the cultures achieved the best results both in terms of key active ingredient content and biological activity. The glucosinolates (GSL) profile by the UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS method showed that the dominant compounds were glucobrassicin (493.00 mg/100 g DW, 10 days) and gluconasturtiin (268.04 mg/100 g DW, 20 days). The highest total polyphenol content (TPC) was obtained after a 20-day growth period (2690 mg GAE/100 g DW). Among polyphenols, the dominant compounds in the extracts from in vitro cultures were sinapinic acid (114.83 mg/100 g DW, 10 days) and ferulic acid (87.78 mg/100 g DW, 20 days). The highest antioxidant potential assessed by ABTS and DPPH assays was observed for ethanol extracts. The best results for inhibiting hyperpigmentation (18.12%) were obtained for ethanol extracts and anti-elastase activity (79.78%) for aqueous extract from N. officinale microshoot cultures. The extracts from microshoot cultures inhibited the growth of bacteria, including Cutibacterium acnes (MIC = 0.625 mg/mL). Antioxidant tests and the chelating capacity of iron ions Fe²⁺ of the face emulsion with N. officinale extracts showed higher results than the control. Full article

Upcycling low-cost agricultural by-products into valuable and sustainable alternative feeding materials could secure human food-supply chains with a low carbon footprint. This study explored increasing the feeding value of camelina meal (CAM) mixed with wheat bran (WB), soybean hulls (SH), and rice hulls (RH) for monogastric animals via solid-state fermentation (SSF) using white rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Experiments evaluated fungal growth, amino acid profiles, structural carbohydrates, glucosinolates, phytate and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). Weight loss analysis indicated that fungal growth was more active in WB/CAM and SH/CAM substrates than RH/CAM. Significant phytic acid degradation and near-complete glucosinolate elimination improved CAM feed quality across all substrates. Fermentation increased total and essential amino acids in the SH/CAM mixture, while reductions occurred in WB/CAM and RH/CAM mixtures. SH/CAM fermentation caused substantial cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, resulting in a 44% IVDMD increase. Conversely, RH/CAM fermentation decreased IVDMD despite a reduction in cellulose, possibly due to protein degradation. This study demonstrates the potential of T. versicolor-mediated SSF to enhance CAM and other agricultural residues’ feeding value for monogastric animal applications. Full article

Drought stress significantly affects plant growth, productivity, and yield by inducing morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes. This study evaluates exogenous melatonin effects on agronomic and biochemical traits of two broccoli varieties (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck) at the baby-leaves stage under drought stress. The varieties used were the Sicilian sprouting black broccoli, Broccolo nero (BR), and the commercial one, Cavolo Broccolo Ramoso Calabrese (CR). The experiment was conducted in a cold greenhouse in Catania, Sicily, considering two levels of melatonin (0 and 100 µmol L⁻¹) under two irrigation regimes: 100% and 60% of pot water capacity (I100 and I60). Plant weight, SPAD index, and leaf parameters were affected by the melatonin treatment, irrigation regime, and genotypes. Total glucosinolates were highest in BR under melatonin treatment (M1) at full irrigation (I100). Significant differences were observed for glucosinolates and phenolic profiles. Specifically, CR showed significantly higher glucoraphanin content compared to BR. CR, in response to the combined M1-I60 treatment, exhibited a marked increase in total phenolic content (TPC), reaching its highest level among the tested conditions. Similarly, antioxidant capacity, evaluated through ABTS and FRAP assays, showed a significant improvement in BR under combined treatments. Additionally, the caffeic acid hexose varies from 5.11 to 8.93% for control (M0) and melatonin application (M1). These findings highlight melatonin’s potential to mitigate drought stress effects in broccoli. Full article