Search Results (1,584)

As global demand grows for natural health-promoting food ingredients, the agri-food industry’s organic wastes are emerging as promising alternatives thanks to attributes such as biocompatibility, nutritional value and nutraceutical effect. During saffron (Crocus sativus L.) production, approximately 53 kg of petals are obtained as a by-product for every 1 kg of saffron spice. The use of saffron petals and petal extracts in bakery products improves products’ shelf life due to the petals’ high content of nutraceuticals and minerals acting as natural preservatives. Petal-enriched bakery products contain high levels of fiber, minerals and antioxidants. Addition of saffron petals into bread dough reduces gluten network strength, increases crumb hardness, enhances acidity, improves water retention, alters color profiles and increases the duration of the shelf life. The formulation for incorporating saffron petals or petal extracts into food products must address three primary criteria: the maximum concentration of bioactive compounds per 100 g of the finished matrix, the thermal stability of these compounds during the baking process, and their bioavailability (in the food matrix) within the human gastrointestinal tract. Nutraceuticals with pharmacological potential are also influenced by the compositional profile: the proximate composition, minerals, phenolic content, flavonols, and antioxidant capacity of saffron petals and bakery products containing saffron petals. Saffron petals exhibit diverse therapeutic potentials, acting as antidepressants, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and neuroprotective agents. They also offer metabolic, cardiovascular, hepatoprotective, and renoprotective benefits, along with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. This article proposes a roadmap for developing bakery products enriched with saffron petals or petal extracts, targeting both pharmacological applications and consumer goods focused on disease prevention and general wellness. This study investigates the biochemical composition of saffron petals and their integration into bakery products. It evaluates the influence of petal-derived additives on rheological properties, shelf stability, and organoleptic characteristics, alongside an assessment of their bioactivity and toxicological profiles. Furthermore, the analytical methodologies employed for ingredient and biological sample characterization are discussed, emphasizing their role in verifying the authenticity, safety, and nutritional functionality of both raw materials and finished formulations. Full article

Erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI), is widely used in cancer therapy; however, hepatotoxicity limits its clinical use. This study investigated the protective effects of Liv-52, a polyherbal hepatoprotective formulation, against erlotinib-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and compared its efficacy with melatonin. The animals (n = 24, Wistar albino rats) were randomly categorized into four groups: healthy (HG), erlotinib (ERG), Liv-52 + erlotinib (LEG), and melatonin + erlotinib (MEG). Liv-52 (50 mg/kg/day, orally) and melatonin (10 mg/kg/day, orally) were administered once daily for two weeks. Erlotinib (10 mg/kg, orally) was given every other day to ERG, LEG, and MEG groups for two weeks. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels were analyzed. Additionally, double immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate apoptotic (poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 [PARP-1], apoptosis-inducing factor [AIF]), inflammatory (cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2]), and anti-inflammatory (interleukin-10 [IL-10]) biomarkers in liver tissues. Histopathological examination was also conducted to assess structural alterations. Erlotinib significantly increased MDA, ALT, AST, and LDH while decreasing tGSH, SOD, and CAT (p < 0.001). Strong immunoreactivity for PARP-1, AIF, IL-10, and COX-2, as well as severe hydropic degeneration and necrosis, was observed in ERG (p < 0.05). Both Liv-52 and melatonin significantly ameliorated biochemical, histopathological, apoptotic, and inflammatory alterations (p < 0.05). Notably, Liv-52 demonstrated superior hepatoprotective efficacy compared to melatonin. These findings indicate that Liv-52 effectively attenuates erlotinib-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and apoptotic pathways, thereby preserving liver function and structural integrity. Full article

Objectives: This study evaluates the research landscape of the cyanobacterium Spirulina (recently reclassified as Limnospira), a strategic resource in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and functional food industries. The central objective is to transition from the traditional “superfood” narrative to a structured analysis of its modern therapeutic potential as reflected in current scientific literature. This study employs bibliometric analysis to highlight research trends and thematic directions in Spirulina-related studies, rather than to experimentally validate therapeutic effects. Methods: The investigation employed an exploratory bibliometric analysis of 996 peer-reviewed articles indexed in the Web of Science (2016–2025). Using VOSviewer software, we mapped keyword co-occurrence networks, international collaborations, and institutional clusters to identify dominant thematic directions and emerging research frontiers in biotechnology and medicine. Results: Bibliometric mapping illustrates research trends and thematic associations reported in the scientific literature centered on pathophysiological mechanisms, particularly oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatoprotection. While often referred to as “microalgae”, Spirulina is biologically a photosynthetic prokaryote with a unique lipid profile characterized by high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content, although clinical evidence remains heterogeneous. The analysis highlights a robust regional research hub in the Middle East and North Africa, led by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, in contrast to fragmented inter-continental collaboration. Conclusions: The steady upward trend in publications confirms expanding academic interest in Spirulina as a functional ingredient. However, this study underscores a persistent gap between in vitro bioactivity and standardized clinical validation. These findings provide a roadmap for future biotechnological developments, emphasizing the need for more rigorous, multi-center clinical trials to bridge the “superfood” perception with evidence-based therapeutic applications. Full article

Hesperidin, a flavonoid abundantly found in citrus fruits, has demonstrated a substantial role in the management of various pathogeneses. Furthermore, the wide range of health-promoting properties of hesperidin, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, nephroprotective, and cardioprotective effects, has been well documented. Additionally, persuasive evidence from both in vivo and in vitro studies highlights its substantial roles in combating obesity, protecting the kidneys, liver, and lung tissue architecture, promoting wound healing, and modulating immune responses. This flavonoid acts as an effective antimicrobial agent against a wide range of microorganisms by inhibiting biofilm formation and disrupting the cell membrane. This review aims to deliver comprehensive insights into the therapeutic potential of hesperidin across different pathogenesis through distinct mechanisms. Moreover, it provides up-to-date evidence on the synergistic properties of this compound with other drugs as well as compounds, and emerging plans to enhance its efficiency in health management through various nanoformulation approaches. Despite its considerable therapeutic potential, the clinical application of hesperidin remains constrained by poor bioavailability, rapid degradation, and dosage-related limitations. Addressing these challenges will require extensive further research to clarify its mechanisms of action, safety profile, and therapeutic efficacy in managing underlying pathogenic conditions. Full article

Background: Oxidative liver damage, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver failure are caused by reactive oxygen species and inflammatory responses triggered by bile retention during prolonged cholestasis. Pomegranate and persimmon fruits, which are loaded with bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, were evaluated separately for their efficacy in preventing oxidative stress and inflammation in cholestasis. Methods: Pomegranate and persimmon juices were analyzed for their vitamin C, carotenoids and organic acid levels, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity. Liver protection against oxidative stress and inflammation brought on by cyclosporine-induced cholestasis in rats was verified by biochemical measurements, metabolite identification, and histopathologic examination. To forecast the mechanism of pomegranate and persimmon anti-inflammatory action, an in silico assessment was also carried out. Results: Vitamin C levels in pomegranate and persimmon juices were 99.55 and 51.75 µg/g, respectively. In both pomegranate and persimmon juices, gallic acid was the most prevalent phenolic compound (123.20 and 50.69 µg/g, respectively). Pomegranate and persimmon juices significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the rise in liver values of MDA, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and TLR4, as well as serum values of total and direct bilirubin caused by cyclosporine. Additionally, the alteration of metabolites, particularly amino acids, demonstrated the inhibitory effect of pomegranate and persimmon juices on liver damage. Gallic acid’s and catechin’s substantial binding affinities with target inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and TLR4) were further validated by molecular docking. Conclusions: These results showed that pomegranate and persimmon juices mainly modulated inflammation and oxidative stress to provide hepato-protective benefits against cyclosporine-induced cholestatic liver injury. Full article

An integrated approach combining metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking was employed to systematically explore the serum-absorbed components of jujube, their potential targets, and regulatory pathways. UPLC-MS/MS was used to characterize the absorbed components, while network pharmacology was applied to predict potential targets associated with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). A total of 10 absorbed components and 323 common targets were identified. Among the key components, quercetin, (-)-epigallocatechin, and methyl gallate exhibited strong binding affinities to eight core targets, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1), with quercetin showing the highest content. Jujube intervention significantly altered the serum metabolic profiles of healthy rats, with distinct differences observed between the control and jujube-treated groups. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the diterpenoid biosynthesis pathway. These findings provide a systematic and preliminary characterization of the serum-absorbed components of jujube, their potential ALD-related targets, and their regulatory effects on serum metabolism in healthy rats. This study provides a preliminary theoretical reference and direction for further research on the potential role of jujube in ALD. Full article

Leucomisine is a major component of renewable plant raw material Artemisia leucodes Schrenk, a sesquiterpene γ-lactone exhibiting antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiparasitic, and hepatoprotective activities. However, the use of leucomisine in pharmaceuticals is limited by its insufficient bioavailability associated with low aqueous solubility. Therefore, the effect of solid-state synthesis based on leucomisine using the methods of “solvent removal”, “simple mixing”, and “mixture heating”, with disodium glycyrrhizinate as a carrier, on the aqueous solubility of leucomisine was investigated. It was established that the synthesized solid dispersions exhibit increased solubility (7–19-fold) and dissolution rate (36–100-fold) of leucomisine released from the carrier. The most pronounced stimulation of the dissolution process was observed for samples obtained using the “simple mixing” method. Based on physicochemical studies (visible-range spectrophotometry, microcrystalloscopy, investigation of optical properties of solutions, and X-Ray phase analysis), it was determined that the enhancement of solubility is attributed to the loss of crystalline state, micronization, and the solubilization process of leucomisine by the carrier, as well as to the formation of a colloidal solution of leucomisine stabilized by disodium glycyrrhizinate. Full article

Liver diseases, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis, remain major global health challenges due to their disruption of metabolic homeostasis and detoxification processes. Redox imbalance plays a central role in liver disease progression by promoting inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and fibrogenesis. Although flavonoids have historically been considered direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, emerging evidence indicates that their biological effect at physiological concentrations are primarily mediated through modulation of intracellular redox signalling rather than simple radical neutralisation. This review highlights flavonoids as redox-modulating agents capable of restoring hepatic redox homeostasis through coordinated regulation of molecular pathways. Mechanistically, flavonoids activate the Nrf2-Keap1 axis to enhance endogenous antioxidant defences, including heme oxygenase-1 and glutathione biosynthesis enzyme, while suppressing NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory signalling and modulating MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. They also regulate mitochondrial redox balance, supporting mitophagy, metabolic adaptation, and cellular resilience to oxidative stress. In addition, flavonoid biotransformation by the gut microbiome improves intestinal barrier integrity, reduces endotoxin-driven hepatic inflammation, and contributes to gut–liver crosstalk. Collectively, these mechanisms position dietary flavonoids as multi-target redox modulators with promising therapeutic potential in chronic liver disease, although further studies are needed to improve their bioavailability and clinical translation. Full article

Plant foods have been the cornerstone of human diets since ancient times, fueling civilization and shaping cultures. Plants became central to sustainable food systems, offering diverse and nutritious options for the future. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has attracted growing scientific interest due to the presence of bioactive compounds, polyphenols, fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals in its fruit, seeds, and leaves. Moreover, sea buckthorn exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and metabolic regulatory properties supported by in vitro and in vivo models. The biological activity of these phytochemical compounds plays a crucial role in regulating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathways, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Furthermore, its potential against microbial growth, including S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. intermedius, and S. pyogenes, among others, not only expands its applications in the pharmaceutical industry but also attracts researchers to incorporate it into food products. This could lead to the discovery of plant-based therapeutic products without significant adverse effects. However, further exploration of each component’s potential side effects is necessary to support the commercialization of formulated products in either the pharmaceutical or food industries, ensuring the highest safety standards for consumers. Including studies on bioavailability and pharmacodynamics could further strengthen the scientific evidence supporting the specific phytochemicals in sea buckthorn and their mechanistic interactions. Full article

Glutinous rice huangjiu, a non-distilled wine variety unique to China, is rich in nutrients. However, systematic research on the differences in its non-volatile functional components remains scarce, despite these variations being key factors influencing its antioxidant effects. This study employed non-targeted metabolomics to systematically analyze the non-volatile metabolite profiles of 16 glutinous rice huangjiu brands, identifying 1450 metabolites. An alcohol-induced hepatocyte injury model was established, combining cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level assays to screen for samples (G10 and G11) exhibiting significant efficacy across varying alcohol concentrations. Differential metabolite analysis further identified key bioactive compounds including L-proline, dihydroferulic acid, chalcones, and multiple phenolic derivatives. Using molecular docking technology, we preliminarily revealed that these components may exert antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects either by directly scavenging free radicals or indirectly through mechanisms such as participating in glutathione metabolism and regulating the KEAP1-Nrf2 signaling pathway. This study elucidates the differences among glutinous rice huangjiu at the metabolomic and cellular model levels, providing a scientific basis for evaluating the health benefits and developing new products of huangjiu. Full article

Honey lemon (H&L) is a traditional beverage known for its potential liver-protective effects, but its mechanisms against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective properties of H&L and explore its multi-target mechanisms in alleviating ALD. Using network pharmacology and molecular docking, we identified 26 bioactive compounds in H&L and 335 potential targets associated with ALD. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that H&L might exert its influence by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress and ethanol metabolism. Molecular docking further demonstrated strong binding interactions between key flavonoids (hesperidin, diosmin, and eriocitrin) and crucial targets, such as AKT1, SRC, STAT3, as well as ethanol-metabolizing enzymes like ADH, ALDH, and CYP2E1. In vivo experiments suggested that H&L alleviated liver injury and significantly improved selected indicators related to ethanol metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. For several variables, including ALT/AST, ALDH, IL-6, and hepatic ethanol content, improvement trends were observed, although not all differences reached statistical significance. Overall, the results suggest that the protective effect of H&L against ALD may be associated with a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mode of action, supporting its potential for further investigation as a functional food candidate. Full article

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) is critically influenced by redox balance, which may be severely disrupted under drug-induced liver injury. This study evaluated oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory markers in rats subjected to 70% PH following acetaminophen (APAP)-induced toxicity and assessed the preventive effect of the microalga Desmodesmus armatus. Reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), serum aminotransferases, bilirubin, and C-reactive protein were analyzed 0–168 h post-hepatectomy. APAP intoxication markedly increased mitochondrial ROS production, suppressed mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity, and prolonged elevations of ALT, AST, bilirubin, and CRP, accompanied by severe histological damage. Preventive administration of D. armatus suspension (10 mL/kg body weight at 1.5 × 10⁶ and 1.5 × 10⁷ cells/mL) attenuated oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. It significantly reduced ROS levels, restored mitochondrial antioxidant defenses, decreased cytolytic and cholestatic markers, and mitigated systemic inflammation. Overall, D. armatus exhibited hepatoprotective and redox-modulating properties, which may contribute to a more favorable microenvironment for liver recovery under toxic conditions. These findings highlight the potential of microalgae-based interventions as supportive strategies for reducing liver injury and improving recovery following acute liver injury. Full article

The liver is a central regulator of systemic metabolism and exhibits exceptional regenerative capacity, yet aging progressively impairs hepatic resilience through metabolic dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic instability, and chronic inflammation. Marine ecosystems constitute a vast and underexplored source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds that have evolved to modulate conserved stress response and homeostatic pathways. This review synthesizes current preclinical evidence demonstrating how marine-derived metabolites target key molecular axes implicated in liver aging, including energy sensing, redox balance, mitochondrial quality control, inflammatory signaling, and chromatin-associated regulation. Rather than focusing solely on isolated hepatoprotective effects, we frame marine bioactives within an aging biology perspective, highlighting their ability to modulate pathways associated with cellular plasticity and resilience. We further propose that this mechanistic convergence provides a theoretical framework for exploring marine compounds as potential adjunctive modulators within emerging, experimental liver rejuvenation strategies, including partial cellular reprogramming approaches that require coordinated metabolic and epigenetic control. While acknowledging that direct reversal of liver aging remains to be clinically established, integrating marine chemodiversity with contemporary aging and regenerative biology outlines a conceptual roadmap for developing liver-directed interventions targeting aging-related vulnerability as a fundamental driver of disease. Full article

Styela plicata, an edible ascidian rich in diverse bioactive constituents, represents a promising source of marine natural products for therapeutic discovery. Here, bioactive components from a 95% ethanol extract of S. plicata (ESP) were characterized by HPLC-MS/MS, showing that the major constituents were oxygenated small molecules dominated by fatty acyls and carboxylic acid derivatives. In a mouse model of alcohol-induced liver injury, H-ESP treatment (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, and TG (p < 0.01), while effectively ameliorating pathological changes in liver tissue, reducing lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses. Transcriptome sequencing (H-ESP vs. model group) identified 1097 differentially expressed genes (172 upregulated and 925 downregulated), and KEGG analysis highlighted significant enrichment of the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. ESP modulated hepatic metabolite expression, suppressed inflammation via TLR-4/NF-κB pathway inhibition, and boosted antioxidant defenses by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling, which was further confirmed by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. ESP increased intestinal SCFAs (acetate, propionate, isobutyrate; p < 0.05), improved α-diversity and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, reversed shifts in Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, and partly restored Odoribacter, supporting a gut–liver axis mechanism. Overall, these findings indicate that ESP exerts hepatoprotective effects by modulating the gut–liver axis, and they provide insights for developing natural therapeutics against alcoholic liver disease. Full article

Alcohol-induced liver damage (AILD), characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, is a major health concern. While black ginseng extract (BGE) exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, its protective effects against AILD and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study evaluated the protective effects of BGE against AILD using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico models. In mice, daily oral administration of 25% ethanol (5 g/kg) for 2 weeks induced liver injury. BGE (100–500 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (AST) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT)levels while increasing catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. In ethanol-treated HepG2 cells, BGE inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production and suppressed cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression while increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)expression. Ginsenoside Rh1, quantified at 4.7 mg/g via quadrupole linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry coupled with UPLC (UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS), was identified as a key bioactive compound. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses revealed key inflammatory signaling pathways and core hub genes associated with ginsenoside Rh1. Integrated analyses suggest that ginsenoside Rh1 contributes to the multi-target effects of BGE by modulating inflammatory signaling pathways. Collectively, BGE is a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of AILD, with ginsenoside Rh1 serving as a key bioactive constituent and quality control marker. Full article