Search Results (1,572)

The temperate rainforests of southern Chile host a rich diversity of plants traditionally used in medicine, yet their bioactive potential remains underexplored. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity, and cell viability of ethanolic leaf extracts from Cissus striata (CS), Mitraria coccinea (MC), and Raukaua laetevirens (RL), compared with Buddleja globosa (BG), a well-known medicinal shrub. Extracts were obtained using 70% ethanol, ensuring high recovery of polyphenolic compounds while avoiding thermal degradation. The total phenolic content (TPC) was highest in CS, exceeding values reported for green tea, while MC exhibited the greatest total flavonoid content (TFC). HPLC–MS/MS analysis showed that RL was rich in rutin, while CS exhibited a higher quercetin content. Antioxidant activity assessed through ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays, was correlated with polyphenolic composition. CS showed the highest antioxidant potential, surpassing green tea by ~39%, as determined via FRAP, while MC and RL displayed capacities comparable to BG. Antibacterial activity assays demonstrated that MC inhibited Escherichia coli with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/mL, lower than that of ampicillin, whereas CS was highly active against Staphylococcus aureus, with an MIC of 0.39 mg/mL, equivalent to the activity exhibited by tetracycline. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed that the extracts did not reduce human cell viability, supporting the potential of Chilean native shrubs as safe, natural sources of antioxidants and antimicrobials for food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Lipid peroxide (LPO) accumulation and a depletion of intracellular antioxidants are hallmarks of ferroptosis, a controlled iron-dependent form of cell death. Iron chelators and radical scavengers can stop it, while erastin or iron overload can cause it. The main catechin in green tea extract (GTE), epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has iron-chelating and antioxidant activities. Herein, we investigated the effects of EGCG-rich GTE on ferroptosis in iron-loaded hepatocytes. The contents of EGCG, total phenolics (TPC), and flavonoids (TFC), as well as ABTS^•+-scavenging activity and cytotoxicity, were determined. Human hepatoma (Huh7) cells were treated with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) to induce ferroptosis and were co-treated with various concentrations of GTE. Labile iron pool (LIP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), LPO, glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX-4) activity were then measured in the cells. One gram of GTE contained 26 mg of EGCG, with a TPC of 172.2 mg gallic acid equivalents and a TFC of 32.9 mg quercetin equivalents. GTE displayed concentration-dependent ABTS^•+-scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 1.03 mg) that was equivalent to 0.29 mg of Trolox, reporting a Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) value of 0.29 mg. High-dose GTE (>100 µM EGCG equivalent) reduced cell viability below 80% (p < 0.05). Intracellular LIP, ROS, and LPO levels were markedly elevated, whereas GSH and GPX-4 activity levels were decreased (p < 0.05) in iron-loaded Huh7 cells. GTE treatment mitigated these alterations in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). These cell-based in vitro findings indicate that EGCG-rich GTE can attenuate ferroptosis-associated oxidative stress in hepatocytes under iron-loading conditions. GTE may serve as a potential dietary antioxidant candidate; further mechanistic studies and in vivo experiments are required to determine its physiological relevance and translational applicability. Full article

Camellia oleifera, commonly known as oil-tea, serves as one of China’s most economically important oil crops. To ensure continued production yield and quality, biological control measures, operating within the framework of integrated pest management, have been extensively adopted nationwide. Integrated pest management facilitates effective management of arthropod pests afflicting C. oleifera by integrating biological control strategies with traditional chemical control methods. This approach significantly reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizes adverse environmental impacts. Over 600 natural enemy species targeting pests have been documented within the C. oleifera agroecosystems in China including approximately 38 viral agents along with 41 fungal, 166 parasitoid, 336 predator, and several bacterial species. Notably, both insectile natural enemies and fungal biopesticides derived from microbial resources are currently being used at scale in C. oleifera cultivation regions, serving as crucial alternatives to the use of conventional chemical pesticides. This paper comprehensively reviews recent progress in research and the application of synergistic integration of biological control with traditional pest management strategies for C. oleifera. The current status of research on natural enemy resources is analyzed and knowledge gaps in the domain of C. oleifera pest management are identified. Furthermore, future research trajectories are proposed that are intended to provide a scientific basis for the green and sustainable development of the C. oleifera industry. Full article

Medicinal and aromatic plants continue to attract attention as rich sources of natural bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Among them, Greek mountain tea (Sideritis scardica) is widely recognized for its high content of phytochemicals, which have been associated with various biological activities. In this study, Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs) were investigated as a sustainable and efficient alternative to conventional solvents for the extraction of such compounds, aiming to the development of a more efficient extraction process. Six task-specific designed NADESs were prepared and evaluated for their extraction efficiency, based on the Total Phenolic Content (TPC) and Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) of the extract. The most promising NADES, comprising betaine and 1,3-propandeiol, was selected for process optimization using a Box–Behnken design and key extraction parameters were systematically examined to maximize TPC and TFC. The extract obtained under the proposed conditions (S/L = 20 mg/g, 240 min, 40% water as cosolvent) exhibited a TPC and TFC value of 49.2 mg_GAE/g and 45.9 mg_CAE/g, respectively, approximately two times higher than the values of a hydroethanolic extract, obtained under the same conditions (TPC = 26.6 mg_GAE/g, TF = 19.9 mg_CAE/g). The optimum extract was further analyzed using HPLC-DAD to determine its phytochemical profile and was compared with the conventional hydroethanolic extract, revealing the role of the selected media on the extracted compounds. Full article

Due to the shortage of rural labor and an increasingly aging population, promoting the mechanized plucking of bulk tea and improving plucking efficiency have become urgent problems for tea plantations. Previous bulk tea plucking machines have not fully adapted to tea plantations in hilly areas, necessitating enhancements in the performance of cutter profiling. In this paper, we present an automatic cutter profiling method based on an RGB-D camera, which utilizes the depth information of bulk tea shoots to tackle the issues mentioned above. Specifically, we use improved super-green features and the Otsu method to detect and segment the shoots from the RGB images of the tea canopy taken from different lighting conditions. Furthermore, the cutting pose based on the depth value of the tea shoots can be generated as a basis for cutter profiling. Lastly, the profiling task is completed by the upper computer controlling motors to adjust the cutter pose. Field tests were conducted in the tea plantation to verify the proposed profiling method’s effectiveness. The average bud and leaf integrity rate, leakage rate, loss rate, tea making rate, and qualified rate were 81.2%, 0.91%, 0.66%, and 90.4%, respectively. The results show that the developed algorithm can improve cutting pose calculation accuracy and that the harvested bulk tea shoots meet the requirements of machine plucking quality standards and the subsequent processing process. Full article

Three experiments were conducted to compare different dietary supplements fed to mixed-run White Pekin ducks (n = 48 birds/treatment) reared for 35 d and exposed to ambient temperatures from d 0 to 35 or heat stress (32 °C–35 °C) for 12 h/d on d 20–35. The basal diet (CON) was supplemented with 0.5 kg/MT seaweed extract (SE), 2.0 kg/MT betaine (BET), or 1.25 kg/MT yeast fermentate (YF) in Experiment 1; with 0.25 kg/MT mannanoligosaccharide (MOS), 0.5 kg/MT green tea powder (GT), or 0.55 kg/MT Poultry Star synbiotic (PS) in Experiment 2; or with 0.09 kg/MT Essential Oil #1 (EO1), 0.5 kg/MT Essential Oil #2 (EO2), or 0.5 kg/MT Microsaf probiotic (MS) in Experiment 3. Heat stress reduced body weight and feed consumption (Exp. 1–3) and negatively affected measures of stress (Exp. 1 and 2) and at least one measure of intestinal health (Exp. 1–3). Intestinal morphology was improved in birds that were fed EO1, EO2, and MS, and some measures of stress susceptibility were improved in birds that were fed SE, YF, MOS, GT, BET, or PS. Essential oil supplementation may be best used in combination with another of the supplements tested to optimize health and welfare in Pekin ducks. Further research could clarify which combinations are ideal for supporting both intestinal health and stress susceptibility in ducks. Full article

Climate change adaptation in ecologically sensitive agriculture remains underexplored, especially regarding whether farmers’ climate perceptions translate into ecological production behaviors (EPBs). Using survey data from 730 tea farmers in China’s Wuyi Mountains National Park, this study examines how general and extreme climate change perceptions relate to EPB adoption. Employing Ordered Probit models and Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) mediation analysis, we estimate perception–behavior associations and test indirect effects through information-seeking and policy participation, alongside moderation by ecosystem service cognition and ecological production benefit cognition. The results indicate that both general and extreme climate perceptions are positively associated with EPB adoption (β = 0.406 and 0.626, p < 0.01), with extreme perceptions showing significantly stronger effects. Climate perceptions influence EPB adoption across all dimensions (green production, ecological management, and market-based practices). Information-seeking and policy participation function as complementary mediating pathways (combined indirect effects = 0.101 and 0.117), linking climate perceptions to ecological actions. Moreover, higher ecosystem service cognition and ecological production benefit cognition strengthen the perception–behavior relationships across multiple EPB dimensions. Overall, the findings suggest that climate change perceptions are an important driver of farmers’ ecological production choices in high-ecological-value contexts. Interpreted alongside existing adaptation strategies, EPB may enhance resilience by leveraging ecosystem functions while aligning with market incentives for ecological products. These results underscore the value of policies that improve access to ecological training and market information and support demonstration programs that facilitate experiential learning. Full article

Chronic pain represents a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Pharmacological agents such as opioids, gabapentinoids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used depending on the pain type (nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic), but their use is often limited by adverse effects. Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements have emerged as potential adjuvants to conventional pain management, offering improved safety profiles. This narrative review aims to evaluate the preliminary evidence on the efficacy and safety of selected plant-derived nutraceuticals for pain management. Particular attention is given to a new fixed nutraceutical formulation containing lycopene, sulforaphane (Brassica oleracea), silymarin (extracted from Silybum marianum), reduced glutathione, escin (Aesculus hippocastanum), tryptophan, and green tea (Camellia sinensis). Although this formulation has not yet been evaluated in clinical trials, preliminary data suggest that individual components may target different pain mechanisms. None of the currently available nutraceuticals act comprehensively on all pain types. Additionally, the inclusion of hepatoprotective compounds (e.g., glutathione and silymarin) may be advantageous for patients receiving multiple medications. Current evidence on these nutraceuticals remains limited and primarily preclinical. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety in human pain management. Full article

Hydrogels are versatile biomaterials for controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration due to their biocompatibility and tunable degradation. Hydrogel was synthesized with a gelatin type A/polyvinyl alcohol functionalized with aqueous extract of roasted green tea (10% w/v) and evaluated its physiobiological performance in vitro. Degradation was assessed under enzymatic (collagenase II, trypsin) and hydrolytic conditions; swelling was performed with distilled water, cytocompatibility was tested on human periodontal ligament stem cells by MTT; antibacterial activity was measured against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The hydrogel showed complete hydrolytic degradation within 60 min and enzymatic degradation within 70 min, the hydrogel increased its mass by approximately 6.3 times relative weight, reached its maximum swelling in the range of 478–537%, (19% for the experimental group), while maintaining PDLSC viability (>80%). It exhibited significant antibacterial activity (inhibition: S. aureus 78.6%, S. mutans 67.4%, E. coli 73.2%). Importantly, in osteogenic medium, the hydrogel enhanced osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, evidenced by increased calcium deposition and positive Alizarin Red staining versus controls. These data position the gelatin/PVA/roasted green tea hydrogel as a bioactive, resorbable candidate for dental applications—particularly as an antimicrobial dressing and adjunct for periodontal bone regeneration material. Full article

Background/Objectives: Phytotherapy, the use of plant-derived bioactive compounds for therapeutic purposes, has gained increasing attention in dentistry as a natural, well-tolerated, and culturally acceptable adjunct to conventional treatments. In pediatric dentistry, its potential relevance lies in its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which may support oral health, caries prevention, pulp vitality, and gingival health. This narrative review aimed to summarize the current clinical evidence regarding the application of phytotherapeutic agents in pediatric oral care. Methods: A narrative review was conducted according to SANRA guidelines, including clinical studies on plant-based products used for preventive or therapeutic purposes in children and adolescents. Results: Forty-three clinical studies met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly investigated agents included licorice, green tea, cocoa husk, cranberry, pomegranate, Aloe vera, and miswak. These agents demonstrated antimicrobial activity against cariogenic bacteria, reduction in plaque and gingival indices, and favorable healing in pulp therapies. In endodontics, Aloe vera-derived acemannan and Ankaferd Blood Stopper^® showed outcomes comparable to conventional materials, while pomegranate and apple cider vinegar exhibited partial antibacterial effects as irrigants. Conclusions: Phytotherapy shows promise as a complementary approach in pediatric dentistry, contributing to caries prevention, gingivitis control, and pulp healing. However, current evidence remains limited by small sample sizes, short-term follow-ups, and heterogeneity in formulations. Further trials are required to confirm efficacy, ensure safety, and standardize phytotherapeutic applications in pediatric oral care. Full article

The medicinal plants industry generates approximately 30 million tons of by-products annually, most of which remain underutilized. The common nettle (Urtica dioica L., Urticaceae) is a valuable medicinal plant, rich in polyphenols, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, widely used in food and pharmaceutical applications. Its by-products still lack sustainable valorization strategies. This study aimed to valorize nettle tea by-products and flowers using green extraction techniques and microbial biotransformation. Lyophilized aqueous/ethanolic extracts were fermented with Ligilactobacillus salivarius ATCC 11741 to assess whether fermentation could enhance the content and bioavailability of phenolic compounds while maintaining probiotic viability. The results showed that fermentation significantly increased phenolic content and antioxidant activity, with chlorogenic acid concentrations increasing up to 4-fold and caffeic acid derivatives up to 2.5-fold. L. salivarius remained viable during fermentation, demonstrating the potential for the production of added-value extracts and probiotic biomass. These findings indicate that nettle by-products can be efficiently converted into functional ingredients through low-energy, environmentally friendly processes, supporting sustainable production and waste valorization. Full article

Tea beverages, which combine the health benefits of traditional tea with convenient consumption, are experiencing rapid market growth. Despite the widespread use of transparent packaging and diverse colour schemes, the influence of such packaging strategies on consumer perception and purchase intention remains poorly understood. The present research therefore aimed to investigate the impact of transparent packaging on consumers’ willingness to purchase tea beverages, as well as the underlying psychological processes, based on trust theory. Across three experimental studies, the results showed that consumers reported a higher purchase intention for tea beverages with transparent (vs. opaque) packaging (Studies 1–3), regardless of whether it was green tea or black tea (Study 2), or a well-known or lesser-known brand (Study 3). Moreover, trust mediated the relationship between transparent (vs. opaque) packaging and purchase intention (Studies 2 and 3). Furthermore, brand awareness moderated the effect of transparent (vs. opaque) packaging on trust and purchase intentions, with stronger effects observed for well-known brands as compared to lesser-known ones (Study 3). In addition, for opaque packaging, green (vs. black) tea beverages with green (vs. red) colour packaging were perceived as more trustworthy, resulting in higher purchase intentions (Studies 1 and 2). These findings identify transparent packaging as a significant marketing tool that can help to increase consumer trust while at the same time promoting positive evaluations and purchase intentions. These insights provide strategic implications for brands operating in the rapidly growing tea beverage market. Full article

The human gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms fundamental to human health, influencing metabolism, immunity, and neurological function. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in this microbial community, is increasingly linked to a range of chronic diseases, from inflammatory bowel disease to metabolic syndrome. This article explores the therapeutic potential of several common botanicals in modulating the gut microbiota and promoting intestinal health. We delve into the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of nine medicinal plants: globe artichoke, aloe vera, German chamomile, pot marigold, Ceylon cinnamon, dandelion, fennel, garlic, ginger, and green tea. We focus on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and prebiotic effects. The article also discusses the scientific evidence supporting their use, acknowledges the limitations of current research, and highlights considerations for safe and effective application. We conclude by summarising the significant role of these herbal remedies in modern complementary medicine and proposing future research directions to further elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimise their use for gut health. Full article

Background: Ozonation is a non-thermal process that can remodel the chemistry and bioactivity of plant extracts. We evaluated whether ozonating green tea extract enhances its phenolic composition and in vitro bioactivity in relation to nutrition and food applications, with potential clinical applications. Methods: Ethanolic green tea extract (GTE) was exposed to ozone (0–7 L/min, 5 h) to yield an ozonated extract (GTOE). Phenolics were quantified by the HPLC. Bioactivities included antimicrobial testing (agar diffusion; MIC/MBC/MFC), antibiofilm formation, time-kill kinetics (0–180 min), bacteria-induced hemolysis in human RBCs, DPPH radical scavenging, pancreatic lipase inhibition, and scratch-wound closure in human fibroblasts. Data from n = 3 independent experiments were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: Ozonation increased gallic acid (3150.92 to 3229.69 µg/g) and ellagic acid (2470.66 to 2789.40 µg/g), while catechin decreased slightly (2634.09 to 2535.09 µg/g). Compared with GTE, GTOE produced larger inhibition zones and lower MIC/MBC/MFC against Candida albicans, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Salmonella typhi; Aspergillus niger remained unsusceptible. For example, inhibition zones for S. aureus and K. pneumoniae increased by 2–4 mm and MIC/MBC values were 2-8-fold lower. Candida albicans showed marked sensitivity (MFC 500 to 125 µg/mL). GTOE exhibited superior, dose-dependent antibiofilm activity across all tested strains, reaching up to 97.82% inhibition, (highest for S. aureus and S. typhi, at 75% MBC). GTOE reduced bacterial counts more rapidly than GTE across all tested strains, achieving full eradication within 150 min. Bacteria-induced hemolysis was inhibited by 97% at 75% MIC with GTOE, versus 93–96% with GTE. Antioxidant capacity improved (DPPH IC₅₀ 3.31 vs. 5.54 μg/mL), as did lipase inhibition IC₅₀ 6.06 vs. 17.69 μg/mL). Wound closure at 48 h increased (GTOE 61.1%; GTE 56.8%; control 50.8%). Conclusions: Controlled ozonation of green tea extract remodeled phenolics and consistently enhanced antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, potential anti-obesity, and wound-healing activities in vitro. These results support food-grade optimization and safety/by-product profiling, followed by in vivo validation at diet-relevant doses, to enable nutrition, food, and potential clinical applications. Full article

Background: Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a potent green tea polyphenol, possesses significant therapeutic potential, but its clinical application is limited by poor gastrointestinal stability and low oral bioavailability. To address this, a novel herbal nanomedicine-based delivery system was developed utilizing D-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and Poloxamer 407. Objectives: This study aims to develop and characterize EGCG-loaded TPGS/Poloxamer 407 micelles, evaluating their physicochemical properties, storage stability, in vitro drug release profile, in vivo oral bioavailability, and preliminary tolerability observation. Methods: The micelles were prepared using the film hydration method followed by lyophilization. Results: The optimized 2:2 TPGS-to-poloxamer 407 weight ratio yielded EGCG-loaded micelles, displaying a mean particle size of 15.4 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.16, a zeta potential of −17.7 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 82.7%, and a drug loading capacity of 7.6%. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined to be 0.00125% w/v. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the micelles’ uniform spherical morphology. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained release profile in both simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. EGCG formulation remained stable for at least six months when stored at 4 °C. No adverse clinical signs were noted during the 28-day tolerability observation. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in mice revealed a significant elevation in oral bioavailability, achieving a 2.27-fold increase in area under the curve (AUC) and a 1.8-fold increase in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) compared to free EGCG. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of the TPGS/poloxamer 407-based micelle system as a promising oral delivery platform for EGCG, enhancing its stability and pharmacokinetic performance. Full article