Search Results (156)

NMR spectroscopy enables the study of complex mixtures, including plant extracts. The interpretation of specific ranges of ¹H NMR spectra allows for the determination of polyphenolic compound, sugar, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles. The main goal of ¹H NMR analyses of plant extracts is to identify the unique “fingerprint” of the material being studied. The aim of this study was to determine the metabolomic profile and antioxidant activity of various Lavandula angustifolia (Betty’s Blue, Elizabeth, Hidcote, and Blue Mountain White) and Lavandula × intermedia cultivars (Alba, Grosso, and Gros Bleu) grown in Poland. Modern green chemistry extraction methods (supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)) were used to prepare the lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts, respectively. The secondary metabolite profiles were determined using the diagnostic signals from ¹H NMR and HPLC-DAD analyses. These metabolomic profiles were used to illustrate the differences between the different lavender and lavandin cultivars. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that both lavender species have similar polyphenolic profiles but different levels of individual compounds. The extracts from L. angustifolia were characterized by higher phenolic acid and flavonoid contents, while the extracts from L. × intermedia had a higher coumarin content. Diagnostic ¹H NMR signals can be used to verify the authenticity and origin of plant extracts, and identify directions for further research, providing a basis for applications such as in cosmetics. Full article

Valorization of black carrot pomace (BCP), an industrial by-product rich in bioactive compounds, was performed using sustainable extraction and formulation approaches. Bioactive compounds were extracted, using water as a solvent, via ultrasonic processing. The resulting liquid extract (BCP-E) was then freeze-dried with a gum Arabic gel system to obtain a powder formulation (FD-BCP). The technological, physicochemical, and bioactive characteristics of both formulations are described. Total monomeric anthocyanin and antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) did not differ substantially (p > 0.05), but the liquid extract’s total phenolic content was significantly higher (4.95 mg GAE/g db) than the powder formulation’s (4.46 mg GAE/g db). While FD-BCP had three main hydrophilic phenolic compounds, suggesting partial encapsulation, high-resolution LC-MS analysis identified 21 phenolic compounds in BCP-E, dominated by chlorogenic, quinic, and protocatechuic acids. The development of a stable gum Arabic matrix that maintains the phenolics’ structural integrity was confirmed by SEM and FTIR observations. According to cytotoxicity tests conducted on L929 fibroblast cells, both formulations were biocompatible (>70% viability) and even stimulated cell growth at moderate dosages. Dose- and time-dependent viability patterns were successfully described by Principal Component Analysis and Artificial Neural Network models, highlighting the fact that formulation type is the main factor influencing biological response. Overall, ultrasonic extraction and freeze-drying offer efficient and sustainable strategies for producing stable and bioactive-rich components from black carrot pomace that may be used in functional foods and biomedical products. Full article

Araucaria angustifolia produces seeds known as Pinhão, which are valued for their nutritional composition and potential use in functional foods. This study investigated the production and characterization of spray-dried Pinhão extracts using inulin (E1) and polydextrose (E2) as carrier agents. The formulations were assessed for physicochemical composition, physical properties, rehydration behavior, morphology, phenolic profile, and mineral content. Spray drying resulted in yields of 67.7% (E1) and 60.6% (E2). E1 exhibited higher carbohydrate (37.02 g/100 g) and fiber contents (34.11 g/100 g), as well as lower moisture (1.35 g/100 g) and water activity (0.16), yielding powders with greater stability and lighter color. E2 demonstrated a superior rehydration performance, with higher wettability and dispersibility, attributed to the amorphous and hydrophilic nature of polydextrose. The matrix formed by inulin and polydextrose during spray drying was equally effective in preserving the low contents of phenolic compounds, demonstrating the suitability of the technique for stabilizing these heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. Only very low levels of phenolic compounds were detected in both samples, which is consistent with the naturally low phenolic content of the Pinhão almond. Mineral analysis showed greater calcium and magnesium retention in E1, whereas E2 contained higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Overall, inulin enhanced powder stability and compactness, while polydextrose improved rehydration behavior and mineral preservation, supporting the potential application of Pinhão extract powders in functional and health-oriented food products. Full article

Cerrado fruits are rich sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, it remains unclear whether the complexes of non-conventional starch with extracts from these fruits can modulate oxidative stress in human cells, under diabetic conditions. This study evaluated the effects of lobeira (Solanum lycocarpum) starch complexed with hydrophilic and lipophilic extracts of mirindiba (Buchenavia tomentosa) on redox parameters in mononuclear cells from normoglycemic and diabetic individuals. The extracts showed high phenolic (1362.70 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g) and carotenoid content (7.07 mg β-carotene/100 g) and strong antioxidant capacity (58.42–140.19 μmol Trolox/g by FRAP and DPPH). Structural analyses (Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)) confirmed complexation via hydrogen bonding and inclusion-type interactions, which partially modified the crystalline order of starch. The complexes exhibited high biocompatibility (>97% cell viability) and adaptively modulated oxidative and antioxidant responses under different metabolic and infectious conditions. Normoglycemic cells showed enhanced redox balance, with moderate superoxide generation and higher SOD activity, while cells from diabetic individuals displayed elevated oxidative stress and reduced SOD induction upon treatment. Under the E. coli challenge, the complexes modulated redox equilibrium through compensatory antioxidant responses. These findings position lobeira starch–mirindiba extract complexes as promising dietary immunomodulators against oxidative stress in metabolic and infectious contexts. Full article

Background: Olive cultivation and olive oil production are key agricultural sectors in the Dalmatia region, where numerous oil mills operate. Analyses have shown that extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) produced in this area contain respectable amounts of polyphenols, which contribute to superior oil quality due to their antioxidant properties. During processing, hydrophilic phenolic compounds predominantly transfer into olive mill wastewater (OMW), making it a concentrated source of valuable bioactive molecules. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects of these polyphenols are highly relevant for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. Methods: A total of 186 OMW samples were collected from oil mills in the Split-Dalmatia County across three production seasons (2023–2025). Total polyphenol content (TPC) was measured spectrophotometrically, while polyphenol composition was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using hydrogen atom transfer (HAT; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH), electron transfer (ET; ferric reducing antioxidant power) (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC). Results: The obtained results indicated high total polyphenols concentrations, with values ranging from 111.8 to 6717.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents per L of OMW (mg GAe L⁻¹). In the vast majority of analyzed samples, hydroxytyrosol was the predominant phenol compound. The antioxidant activity of the samples was high. Full article

Plants are sources of compounds with important effects on health, but plant-based food industry generates substantial waste amounts, especially in oil production. This study aimed to characterize flours derived from oilseed by-products, pumpkin, sunflower, and apricot seed residues, and compare them with conventional grain flours (white and whole wheat). Nutritional composition was analyzed with emphasis on amino acid profiles performed by ion chromatography. Mineral profiles were determined by ICP-MS. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity were assessed using in vitro colorimetric microassays. Oil press cake flours showed significantly higher levels of protein and fiber compared to wheat flours (p < 0.05), while the latter contained more carbohydrates. Among the examined flours, pumpkin and apricot seed flours stood out with the highest potassium, while sunflower seed flour led in calcium content. Despite higher polyphenol content in wheat flours, apricot seed flour exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity, likely due to its diverse profile of hydrophilic and lipophilic bioactive compounds. These findings highlight oil press cakes as nutritionally valuable ingredients for protein-enriched and other innovative food products, aligning with circular economy principles and promoting resource efficiency in the agri-food sector. Full article

This study evaluated hot-water infusion as a practical and sustainable extraction method for functional flower petal teas. Six edible flowers—Tagetes erecta, Lonicera japonica, Celosia argentea var. cristata, Centaurea cyanus, Hibiscus sabdariffa, and Malva sylvestris—were compared under hot-water and 80% ethanol extraction. Hot-water extraction was performed at 100 °C for 15 min. Hot-water extracts showed 1.3–4.0 times higher total phenolic content (TPC) and stronger antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) than 80% ethanol extracts, reflecting efficient extraction of hydrophilic phenolic acids. UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS and GC–MS analyses of hot-water extracts revealed chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, and aroma volatiles such as hexanal and α-pinene. These findings confirm that simple hot-water infusion effectively recovers both bioactive and aroma-active compounds, supporting its application in developing safe, natural, and functional flower teas. Full article

This study valorizes onion peel, an agro-industrial by-product rich in phenolic compounds and structural carbohydrates, for the development of cassava starch-based biodegradable films. The films were prepared using the solution casting method; a cassava starch matrix was mixed with a 2.5% glycerol solution and heated to 85 °C for 30 min. A separate solution of onion peel powder (OPP) in distilled water was prepared at 25 °C. The two solutions were then combined and stirred for an additional 2 min before 25 mL of the final mixture was cast to form the films. Onion peel powder (OPP) incorporation produced darker and more opaque films, suitable for packaging light-sensitive foods. Film thickness increased with OPP content (0.138–0.218 mm), while moisture content (19.2–32.6%) and solubility (24.0–25.2%) decreased. Conversely, water vapor permeability (WVP) significantly increased (1.69 × 10⁻⁹–2.77 × 10⁻⁹ g·m⁻¹·s⁻¹·Pa⁻¹; p < 0.0001), reflecting the hydrophilic nature of OPP. Thermal analysis (TGA/DSC) indicated stability up to 245 °C, supporting applications as food coatings. Morphological analysis (SEM) revealed OPP microparticles embedded in the starch matrix, with FTIR and XRD suggesting electrostatic and hydrogen–bond interactions. Mechanically, tensile strength improved (up to 2.71 MPa) while elongation decreased (14.1%), indicating stronger but less flexible films. Biodegradability assays showed slightly reduced degradation (29.0–31.8%) compared with the control (38.4%), likely due to antimicrobial phenolics inhibiting soil microbiota. Overall, OPP and cassava starch represent low-cost, abundant raw materials for the formulation of functional biopolymer films with potential in sustainable food packaging. Full article

Hydroethanolic Cucurbita pepo seed extracts are traditionally used for alleviating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), yet their mechanisms remain unclear. Adenosine, a purine nucleoside involved in neuromodulation and smooth muscle relaxation, was recently identified in C. pepo seeds. Since A₁ adenosine receptors (A₁AR) suppress parasympathetic bladder overactivity by inhibiting acetylcholine (ACh) release, we investigated to which extent purines from pumpkin seed extracts contribute to A₁AR activation. Complementary antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Three hydrophilic seed extracts containing different adenosine levels (0.60–1.18 mg/g dw) were evaluated for agonist activity using a cAMP inhibition assay. The most active extract showed an EC₅₀ of 40.22 µg/mL. Selective removal of adenosine shifted the dose–response curve rightward, while further elimination of an adenosine derivative increased the EC₅₀ to 212.10 µg/mL, confirming adenosine as the principal active compound. Guanosine and inosine did not exhibit A₁AR agonist or allosteric effects. All samples exhibited measurable but weak antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 1.02–4.19 mg/mL), consistent with their low total phenolic content. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for naturally occurring agonists in plant extracts to avoid overestimating receptor-mediated effects in vitro which are not translatable in vivo. Full article

This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the bioactive compounds present in honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica Thunb.) extract (HSF) and their remarkable antioxidant activity. A docking simulation was performed to clarify the binding affinities of the identified phytochemicals to enzymes associated with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, the low-energy nanoemulsions based on optimally formulated polyglycerol fatty acid esters (PGFEs), developed through D-optimality, were designed for the incorporation of HSF extract. The result revealed that HSF is a rich source of diverse phenolic and flavonoid compounds that contribute to its remarkable antioxidant capacity. Molecular docking analysis indicates that its compounds exhibit anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activities, particularly through collagenase, hyaluronidase, and TNF-α inhibition. Furthermore, D-optimality revealed that HSF-loaded nanoemulsions can be fabricated by a surfactant to oil ratio (SOR) of 2:1 with a ratio of low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) surfactant to high HLB surfactant (LHR) of 1:2. Polyglyceryl-6 laurate as a high HLB surfactant produced the optimal nanoemulsion with small particle size and possessed an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 74.32 ± 0.19%. This is the first report to combine D-optimal design-based nanoemulsion development with a multi-level analysis of HSF, including phytochemical profiling, antioxidant evaluation, and in silico molecular docking. These findings highlight that HSF-loaded polyglycerol fatty acid ester-based nanoemulsions could be a skin health-promoting ingredient and effective alternative for a variety of skincare applications. Full article

The design of high-performance drilling fluid systems is of vital importance for the safe and efficient exploitation of natural gas hydrates. Incorporating appropriate nanoparticles into drilling fluids can significantly enhance drilling fluid loss control, wellbore stability, and hydrate inhibition. However, the combined effects of nanoparticles and conventional additives on hydrate inhibition in drilling fluid systems remain poorly understood. In this study, the influence of nanoparticles on hydrate formation was first evaluated in a base mud, followed by an investigation of their combined effects with common drilling fluid additives. The results demonstrate that hydrophilic nano-CaCO₃ particles exhibit hydrate inhibitory effects, with the strongest inhibition observed at 3.0%. Composite system tests (incorporating nanoparticles with sepiolite, filtrate reducers, and flow modifiers) revealed diverse effects on hydrate formation. Specifically, the combination of nanoparticles and sepiolite promoted hydrate formation; the combination of nanoparticles and filtrate reducers showed divergent effects. Mixtures of nanoparticles with 0.2% low-viscosity anionic cellulose (LV-PAC), carboxymethyl starch (CMS), and low-viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose (LV-CMC) inhibited hydrate formation, while mixtures with 0.2% sulfonated phenolic resin (SMP-2) and hydrolyzed ammonium polyacrylonitrile (NH₄-HPAN) accelerated hydrate formation. Notably, the incorporation of nanoparticles with 0.3% guar gum, sesbania gum, high-viscosity carboxymethyl cellulose (HV-CMC), or high-viscosity polyanionic cellulose (HV-PAC) resulted in the complete inhibition of hydrate formation. By contrast, the synergistic inhibition effect of the nanoparticle/xanthan gum (XC) composite system was relatively weak, with the optimal compounding concentration determined to be 0.3%. These findings provide critical insights for the development of drilling fluid systems in natural gas hydrate reservoirs, facilitating the optimization of drilling performance and enhancing operational safety in hydrate-bearing formations. Full article

Hydrophilic phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, possess important biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. However, their application is hindered by low membrane permeability, poor chemical stability, and limited skin penetration. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of advanced delivery strategies aimed at enhancing the solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of selected hydrophilic compounds. Specifically, it focuses on the encapsulation of flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin, as well as phenolic acids including ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. The review discusses various nanocarrier systems: liposomes, niosomes, exosomes, and polymeric nanoparticles (e.g., nanocapsules, nanospheres) and compares their structural characteristics, preparation methods, and functional benefits. These delivery systems improve the physicochemical stability of active compounds, enable controlled and targeted release, and enhance skin and cellular absorption. Despite certain challenges related to large-scale production and regulatory constraints, such approaches offer promising solutions for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic application of hydrophilic plant-derived compounds. Full article

This study investigates the application of spinel (MgAl₂O₄) hollow fiber membranes for clarification of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) aqueous extract, a rich source of bioactive compounds. The membranes were produced using a phase-inversion and sintering method at 1350 °C, combining alumina and dolomite as raw materials. The calcination of the powder materials at 1350 °C resulted in the spinel phase formation, as indicated by the XRD analyses. The spinel hollow fiber membrane presented a hydrophilic surface (water contact angle of 74°), moderate roughness (144.31 ± 12.93 nm), and suitable mechanical strength. The ceramic membrane demonstrated a water permeability of 35.28 ± 2.46 L h⁻¹ m⁻² bar⁻¹ and a final permeate flux of 9.22 ± 1.64 L h⁻¹ m⁻² for filtration of clove basil extract at 1.0 bar. Fouling analysis identified cake formation as the dominant mechanism for flux decline. The membrane retained 44% of the total phenolic compounds and reduced turbidity by 60%, while preserving significant antioxidant capacity in the permeate. The results highlight the potential of spinel-based hollow fiber membranes as a cost-effective and efficient solution for clarifying bioactive plant extracts, offering enhanced mechanical properties and lower sintering temperatures compared to conventional alumina membranes. Full article

Hydroxytyrosol (HT), the primary phenolic compound in virgin olive oil, has notable cardiovascular benefits, particularly in preventing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation. However, its hydrophilicity limits its solubility and integration into lipid-based formulations. This study aimed to enhance its lipophilicity by synthesizing hydroxytyrosyl eicosapentaenoate (HT-EPA), a derivative of HT and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), using a one-step enzymatic catalysis with lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB). The reaction, performed as a suspension of HT in ethyl eicosapentaenoate (Et-EPA) (1:9 molar ratio) under vacuum, achieved higher yields and shorter reaction times than previously reported, with a purity exceeding 98%, confirmed by ¹H-NMR. For the first time, the antioxidant capacity of HT-EPA in comparison with other natural antioxidants was assessed using the FRAP assay, while its oxidative stability in an omega-3-rich oil matrix was evaluated via the Rancimat method. HT-EPA and hydroxytyrosyl acetate (HT-Ac) displayed antioxidant activity comparable to HT but significantly higher than α-tocopherol, a common food antioxidant. Given the scarcity of effective lipid-soluble antioxidants, HT-EPA represents a promising candidate for omega-3 nutraceuticals, offering enhanced stability and potential health benefits. This study provides a simple, efficient, and scalable strategy for developing functional lipid-based formulations with cardioprotective potential by improving HT solubility while preserving its antioxidant properties. Full article

High-value-added biomolecules such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids from secondary metabolism and macromolecules such as sugars are the main constituents of several plants. Thus, this work aims to optimize the extraction of these biomolecules present in the pods of Cassia grandis L.f. Initially, the effect of choline-based ionic liquids—ILs (choline chloride [Ch]Cl, dihydrogen citrate [Ch][DHC], and bitartrate [Ch][BIT]) as extracting agents for phenolic compounds and flavonoids was evaluated based on their efficiency and selectivity. Then, a 2³ full factorial design with six central points was performed using the IL concentration, the solid–liquid ratio, and the temperature as independent variables. The extract obtained in the best condition was subjected to pervaporation, after which the concentrates and the crude extract were used to determine the physical properties (density, viscosity, and refractive index). The hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance of the extracting agent and the biomolecules are the extraction process’s driving force. The best extraction condition was formed by [Ch][DHC] at 15 wt%, with a solid–liquid ratio of 1:15, at 45 °C for 30 min, resulting in 153.71 ± 5.81 mg·g⁻¹ of reducing sugars; 483.51 ± 13.10 mg·g⁻¹ of total sugars; 11.79 ± 0.54 mg·g⁻¹ of flavonoids; and 38.10 ± 2.90 mg·g⁻¹ of total phenolic compounds. All the physical properties of the biomolecules are temperature-dependent; for density and refractive index, a linear correlation is observed, while for viscosity, the correlation is exponential. Increasing the temperature decreases all properties, and the extract concentration for 8× presents the highest values of density (1.283 g·cm⁻³), viscosity (9224 mPa·s), and refractive index (1.467). Full article